UK Gambling Commission Appoints New Chairman

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has just announced the name of the new Chair of the Gambling Commission. Philip Graf took the post on 1 April 2011.

Two Roles in One

Mr Graf appears to have got a 100% welcome bonus with the job! The role also designates him as chairman of a new body which will be created by merging the Gambling Commission and National Lottery Commission.

Strong Leadership

Tourism Minister John Penrose said, "Philip Graf has a wealth of knowledge as a board member and his vast experience will serve him well as he takes up his post at the Gambling Commission. This will be even more important as the merger takes place to provide strong leadership and support to all those involved and I have no doubt he will rise to the challenge."

A Wealth of Experience

Graf comes with some useful experience. He is the outgoing Deputy Chairman of Ofcom and has many years experience in the media, notably his four year stint as Chief Executive of Trinity Mirror Group. In this post he was instrumental in transforming Trinity Mirror into the UK's largest newspaper group.

Another string to his bow is his 2003 review of the BBC's online activities. Other relevant roles include his time as Chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance (which funds the Press Complaints Commission).

Arise Sir Graf!

Graf is a Cambridge law graduate. In 2003 he received a CBE for services to regional newspapers in the Queen's birthday honours list.

He appears to be an experienced pair of hands to steer the UK Gambling Commission through the five year tenure of this post.