Kirsty Caldwell Appointed Interim Chair of Gambling Commission Industry Forum
The Gambling Commission has announced the appointment of Kirsty Caldwell as Interim Chair of its Industry Forum, with the appointment confirmed on 22 January 2026.
Interim Appointment Follows Conclusion of Nick Rust’s Term
Caldwell takes on the interim role following the conclusion of Nick Rust’s term as Chair in November 2025. She will serve as Interim Chair while the Gambling Commission begins the recruitment process to appoint a permanent Chair for the Industry Forum.
A member of the Industry Forum since March 2024, Caldwell brings continuity and familiarity to the role during the transition period.
Compliance Background and Professional Experience
Caldwell is a compliance specialist and the founder of Betsmart Consulting, which she established in 2019. Her professional background includes providing regulatory advisory and compliance support across the gambling sector, working with licensed operators on governance, risk management, and regulatory engagement.
Her appointment reflects the Commission’s focus on maintaining informed and constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders.
Role of the Gambling Commission Industry Forum
The Industry Forum provides a structured channel for industry representatives to share insight with the Gambling Commission on regulatory priorities, Commission services for operators and consumers, and the wider gambling environment in Great Britain.
The Forum operates in an advisory capacity, helping the regulator understand how regulatory policies and operational changes impact licensed operators and the market more broadly.
Supporting Continuity During Regulatory Change
From the Commission’s perspective, Caldwell’s appointment ensures continuity of leadership within the Industry Forum while the process to appoint a substantive Chair is underway. Her interim leadership will support ongoing engagement between the regulator and industry participants during a period of regulatory change in Great Britain.
The appointment underlines the Gambling Commission’s continued commitment to open communication, industry engagement, and maintaining regulatory standards focused on consumer protection and market integrity.
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