Marcus Boyle appointed new Gambling Commission chair

He will begin a five-year term at Great Britain’s gambling regulator from 5 September, as Moyes’ own term – which began in 2017 – comes to an end. 

Boyle has a background in finance, serving as an equity partner for two global professional services businesses, most recently serving as board member, chief strategy officer and chief operating officer of Deloitte. He also chairs the British American Drama Academy. 

The government described him as having extensive change management experience, across both public and private sector entities. 

He takes on the role with the government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act underway, and a white paper setting out a series of regulatory reforms expected by the end of 2021.

Dowden described his appointment as an important moment for the regulator, saying it would bring a new direction and focus for the Commission. 

“His expertise will be invaluable as he steers the Commission into a new era of gambling regulation fit for the digital age,” the minister added.

Boyle has already been welcomed to the role by industry body the Betting and Gaming Council, with chair Brigid Simmonds congratulating him on his appointment. 

“As part of our continued commitment to ever higher standards on safer gambling, the BGC will continue to work with the Gambling Commission, as well as with the government on their evidence-led Gambling Review,” Simmonds said. 

“I would also like to thank Marcus’s predecessor Bill Moyes for working with us over the last two years and wish him well for the future.”

The Commission is also on the hunt for a permanent chief executive, after Neil McArthur stood down from the role earlier this year. Andrew Rhodes, who previously worked for the Department of Work and Pensions and DVLA, was appointed as his interim replacement, on an 18-month contract in June.

Marcus Boyle image: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport