UKGC Parts Ways with CEO Andrew Rhodes

The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced a major leadership shift due to the departure of its chief executive officer, Andrew Rhodes. Rhodes, who’s been at the helm of the authority for almost 5 years, is set to assume a new role, although he has yet to announce further details.

Rhodes Will Assume an Unannounced Role

In the UKGC’s official announcement, the regulator confirmed that Rhodes will officially step down from his position on April 30, 2026.

The Gambling Commission is today announcing that Andrew Rhodes has decided to leave the Commission on 30 April 2026, to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course.

UKGC statement

The commission thanked Rhodes for his outstanding leadership and incredible contributions during his time as the chief of the regulatory body. The UKGC said that he has been instrumental in the UKGC’s transformation throughout a period of intense reforms and regulatory changes.

The UKGC listed some of Rhodes’ achievements, which include his hard work on helping the regulator implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards. Various measures outlined in the Gambling Act white paper included affordability checks, tighter rules on harmful products, and a reduction in the intensity of online gambling products.

During his time with the UKGC, Rhodes also oversaw the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which has quickly become one of the largest surveys of gambling behavior in the world. He also led the UKGC during an important period of transition as the regulator handed the Fourth National Lottery license to Allwyn, marking another important change in British gaming.

The UKGC Thanked Rhodes for His Contributions

Although Rhodes did not confirm what his new role will be, he said that he has enjoyed his time with the gaming commission and is happy with the progress he delivered through a period of intense reforms.

I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.

Andrew Rhodes, outgoing CEO, UKGC

Charles Counsell, the UKGC’s interim chair, thanked Rhodes for providing the regulatory body with strong leadership for almost half a decade. Counsell emphasized that Rhodes leaves a strong legacy due to his incredible contributions to guiding the UKGC through a period of reform.

He [Rhodes] has led the Commission through major reform, strengthened our regulatory approach, and ensured consumer protection has remained at the heart of our work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.

Charles Counsell, interim chair, UKGC

The UKGC noted that deputy CEO Sarah Gardner will step up as acting chief executive during the search for a new CEO. It added that the change in leadership is unlikely to affect the UKGC’s ability to deliver on its strategic priorities.