Andrew Rhodes appointed Gambling Commission interim chief executive

The Gambling Commission has appointed Andrew Rhodes as its interim chief executive for the next 18 months as the industry regulator faces one of the most critical periods in its history.

Rhodes, who joins the commission from Swansea University where he was registrar and chief operating officer, takes up the position with the body's role one of the issues being examined as part of the government's gambling review.

Its part in the events which led to the collapse of failed betting operator Football Index is also the subject of an independent review, while the commission is still in the midst of its own controversial consultation on affordability checks.

Rhodes, 44, has no previous direct experience of the gambling industry, although the advertisement for the position – which has a salary of up to £150,000 a year – said that while knowledge of the sector was "highly desirable", it was also "not imperative".

He said: "The Gambling Commission is one of the world's highest profile and most respected regulators so I'm delighted to join the team at such an important time.

"Protecting the public and players from gambling harm will continue to be central to our work and I'm looking forward to meeting people from across the industry and those with lived experience to understand the issues and opportunities which lay ahead.

"This is a great time to have the opportunity to work in gambling regulation. The government's Gambling Act review represents a fantastic opportunity to deliver real and sustained improvements in the way gambling is provided and regulated.

"As the regulator we have a unique and important role to play at the forefront of that change."

Before his role in higher education, Rhodes held senior positions at a range of organisations, including the Department for Work and Pensions, the Food Standards Agency and the DVLA.

While at the FSA he was director of operations during the investigation into the horsemeat scandal in 2013. At Swansea University, Rhodes also oversaw an investigation that led to the dismissal of a number of academics.

Neil McArthur resigned from the Gambling Commisison in March

He succeeds Neil McArthur, whose surprise resignation was announced in March. The Gambling Commission's board decided at the time to recruit an interim chief executive to allow the successor to current chairman Bill Moyes, who steps down this autumn, to appoint a permanent chief executive.

Since March, deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner and chief operating officer Sally Jones have shared the role of acting chief executive.

Moyes added: "Andrew has a first-class track record of delivery, strong leadership and innovation both in the private sector and in the civil service.

"I have no doubt he will prove to be an exceptional appointment here at the commission and it comes at a time when the spotlight is on gambling regulation and operators.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with Andrew as I prepare to hand over to a new chair in September."

Read more:

Affordability checks: Gambling Commission reveals more 'targeted' approach

Government tight-lipped over report strict affordability checks could be shelved

Neil McArthur in surprise exit as chief executive of the Gambling Commission

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