New role for former chief executive of the Gambling Commission

Neathwolborn Mr Rhodes has joined new strategic advisory firm to the gambling sector Hawkbridge

Former chief executive of regulator the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, has taken up a new consultancy role.

Neath born Mr Rhodes, who spent 20 years in senior public sector leadership roles, as well as being a former registrar and chief of operating of Swansea University, has joined Hawkbridge – a recently formed strategic firm to the gambling sector. He joins the London-based firm as a principal consultant.

At Hawkbridge he will advise clients on international regulatory strategy, government and regulatory engagement, governance and operational standards.

Mr Rhodes served as chief executive of the Gambling Commission of Great Britain from June 2021 until April this year. During his tenure he led the commission through the implementation of the Gambling Act Review and the award of the Fourth National Lottery licence.

He said: “The next five years will be more consequential for gambling regulation than we have seen in many years, and even more so than I saw as chief executive of the Gambling Commission in the previous five years. This brings uncharted challenges for boards, investors and leaders.

“I have decided to join the founders of Hawkbridge for a simple reason: there has rarely been a single source of regulatory, commercial and operational advice at such a senior and experienced level available to the sector. The best counsel draws on every vantage point, operator, adviser and regulator alike, which is why I am so pleased to bring my own experience to Hawkbridge.”

Bahar Alaeddini, co-founder of Hawkbridge, said: “Hawkbridge was established to give operators, suppliers, investors and boards sharp, pragmatic counsel on the questions that sit above legal advice and beyond commercial diligence. Andrew’s appointment strengthens that offering.”

Senior civil servant roles held by Mr Rhodes included being director general, operations, at the Department of Work and Pensions, where he led a team of more than 72,000 staff.

He was also chief operating officer of the Food Standards Agency. He chairs the charitable foundation of football club Swansea City.