The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, GambleAware and the Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie are just a few organisations that have made changes to their respective teams recently.
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has appointed Mark Rutherford as Chief Executive Officer.
As CEO, Rutherford will oversee gambling and medicinal cannabis regulatory standards for the Isle of Man, ensuring the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the Island’s regulatory framework.
Speaking on his appointment, Rutherford said: “There is an important opportunity to strengthen the Isle of Man’s defences against financial crime and I am embarking on an ambitious programme of reform to reinforce the powers we have to supervise and regulate the gambling sector.
“I am also working closely with partner agencies to understand the emerging threat that faces the Island’s gambling sector.
“It is imperative that we continue to review and adapt our approach to stay aligned with evolving challenges, including the emerging risks and typologies arising from particular markets. I shall be examining those threats closely to ensure that we are alert to them and manage the risk.”
Rutherford has worked for the GSC for 15 years, joining the organisation as Director of Policy and Legislation. He had previously worked in multiple roles for the Island’s public service, including in the Income Tax Division.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark as Chief Executive of the GSC,” stated Acting Chair of the GSC, David Butterworth.
“His transition into this role comes at a crucial time, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of transparency and protection while adapting to the sector’s evolving challenges.
“With his extensive experience and clear vision for improvement, Mark is a valuable asset who is committed to strengthening our regulatory approach to meet the Island’s needs and those of the sectors it represents well into the future.”
GambleAware
GambleAware has named four new members for its Lived Experience Council – Sue Acton, Bianca Colclough, Andy May and Niks Kolosnicins.
The Lived Experience Council helps GambleAware develop and monitor its work to make sure it provides the best help to people experiencing gambling harm. The council includes people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm, including affected others.
Acton brings a background in financial services, vulnerable customer training and consulting, and organisational psychology to the council, having worked with gambling harms organisations, contributed to research, and participated in the NICE gambling harms committee. She has personal experience of severe gambling harms but has now been in recovery for many years.
Colclough first shared her gambling harm story in 2022 and has used a number of methods as part of her recovery including training to become a lived experience practitioner. May has been recovering from gambling harm for the past four years with the support of organisations within the National Gambling Support Network. Both are keen on using their lived experience to help others.
Bringing a voice of the young people to the council, Kolosnicins is a third-year university student who is focusing his dissertation thesis on researching the impact of gambling harms on affected others.
“Our Lived Experience Council plays an integral part in guiding our work and everything GambleAware does,” commented Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware.
“We strive to ensure that it has the widest breadth of people from different backgrounds, so that it represents an extensive cross-section of society, as we know gambling harm can happen to anyone from any walk of life.
“We are pleased to have these four new members as we know they will bring a variety of different experience and views to the Council, which will help improve the lives of people experiencing gambling harm. We look forward to working with them.”
National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has announced that Keith Whyte has stepped down from his position as Executive Director.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Keith for his leadership and contributions to the organisation during his tenure,” commented NCPG Board President Susan Sheridan Tucker.
“During this transition, our mission to lead awareness and advocacy efforts to reduce gambling harm remains our top priority, and we are confident in the team we have in place to seamlessly carry out this vital work.”
Nancy Green has been appointed as Interim Executive Director. Bringing association, nonprofit leadership, and program experience to the role, Green was most recently Interim Executive Director for the American Sustainable Business Network.
Later this year, a national search will be conducted by the NCPG’s Board of Directors to identify a permanent Executive Director.
“Having guided several organisations through periods of change, I appreciate that maintaining operational excellence and mission focus are paramount during transitions,” said Green.
“NCPG’s work in reducing gambling-related harm is too important to pause. The dedicated staff, committed board, and engaged stakeholders will continue driving essential programs and advocacy efforts forward while we chart the organization’s next chapter.”
Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie
The Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie (NOGA), the Dutch Online Gambling Association, has announced that Eric Konings has stepped down from his position as Interim Director.
Konings had been Interim Director of NOGA since replacing Peter-Paul de Goeij last July.
“I have enjoyed fulfilling the role of interim director at NOGA during this important period of strategic reorientation,” stated Konings.
“Now that this reorientation is progressing steadily, I have decided not to extend my agreement. I am proud of what we have achieved together and will continue to work for NOGA’s objectives until my last day. For now, I would like to thank the board for the trust they have placed in me.”
Sanna van Doorn, Vice Chair, added: “We are very grateful to Eric for his efforts over the past seven years, in the capacity of Chairman, Policy Advisor and Interim Director. His involvement and expertise in this challenging sector were of great value.
“Eric played an important role in the establishment of NOGA and in representing the interests of its members over the years. On behalf of the board and our members, I would like to thank him and wish Eric all the best in his future projects and ambitions.”
Nevada Gaming Control Board
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has announced that Kirk Hendrick will be resigning from his position as Chair of the NGCB after the upcoming legislative session.
Hendrick has been Chair of the NGCB since January 2023. The exact date of his final day is yet to be determined.
In an announcement to Board staff, Hendrick said: “I recently had a great conversation with Governor Lombardo, and we discussed how much the Board has accomplished since he appointed me as chairman two years ago.
“We also discussed more to still be accomplished, including the Board’s priorities for the legislative session starting next month. Our conversation concluded with me informing the governor of my intention to resign as Board Chair following the legislative session.
“My announcement today allows Governor Lombardo time to find the next Board Chair and provides for a smooth transition of leadership. It also allows me to tell all the amazing Board agents and employees, as well as Nevada’s gaming industry, citizens and visitors, that I am dedicated to accomplishing much more over the next several months.”
Scientific Games
Scientific Games has announced that Joe Bennett will retire from his role as VP of US Operations for Instant Products in April, with Bryan Murphy stepping into the position.
Bennett joined Scientific Games as a Game Programmer 34 years ago, before helping to develop foundational technologies for the regulated lottery industry globally.
John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products, stated: “Joe has consistently championed the highest standards of excellence. His leadership has driven innovation across our instant games portfolio, resulting in enhanced player experiences, trusted partnerships, and support for the important good cause missions of our lottery customers.
“We are confident that Bryan’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental as he takes on this vital role delivering end-to-end games to our customers.”
Replacing Bennett, Murphy will oversee the day-to-day operations of Scientific Games’ US instant game production facilities.
A member of Bennett’s team since 2007, Murphy brings logistics operations and instant game production experience to the role. He most recently served as Director of Finishing and Logistics for US instant game products.
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