Sue Young named Executive Director of Operations at UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission has appointed Sue Young as its new Executive Director of Operations.

Young joins the Commission from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), where she served as Director of Debt Management. In that position, she oversaw the tax collection and the recovery of overdue payments, putting her close to the mechanics of enforcement.

She brings extensive leadership experience from across the public sector, including senior positions at the Home Office, encompassing Border Force and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, as well as the Department of Health and Social Care.

In her new role, Young will oversee several of the Commission’s operational functions, supporting its mission to ensure gambling remains safer, fairer, and free from criminal activity.

"There is a great deal of important work underway across our operational teams, not least our continued focus on tackling the illegal market and delivering strong regulatory outcomes," Sarah Gardner, UKGC Acting Chief Executive, said. She also highlighted Young’s extensive operational leadership experience and expressed enthusiasm about working with her.

"The Commission plays an important role in protecting consumers and ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and safely," Gardner said. "I’m looking forward to building on the significant work already underway across the organisation.”

Young's move comes alongside the introduction of the statutory levy on betting companies, which will be used to fund research, prevention, and treatment for gambling-related problems.

That shift alone is expected to place new administrative pressure on the regulator. Young also joins ahead of increased tax rates for online gambling operators, with Remote Gaming Duty set to increase from 21% to 40% next month.

She also joins the Commission amid a wider structural change to the regulator’s leadership, with Andrew Rhodes due to step down as Chief Executive at the end of April. UK media reports suggest that Rhodes is going to join Hawkbridge, a gambling-focused strategic advisory firm.