The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has appointed Mark Rutherford as chief executive officer. 

Rutherford will oversee and maintain the island’s regulatory standards for the gambling industry and ensure the integrity, transparency and effectiveness of the Island’s regulatory framework. 

He has been with the regulator since January 2009, when he joined as director of policy and legislation. He was then made deputy CEO in June 2013 and now assumes the mantle of CEO. 

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark as chief executive of the GSC. 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,” said David Butterworth, acting chair of the GSC.

“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.”

Rutherford said of his promotion: “I am grateful to the GSC Board for their confidence in me as CEO. I have lived and worked in the Isle of Man in both private and public sectors and my role as a public servant has been dedicated to serving the Isle of Man. I am committed to ensuring the effective, transparent and secure regulation of gambling and the production of medicinal cannabis here in the Island.

“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.”