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GREF Announces Board Reshuffle: New Treasurer and Secretary Appointed as Long-Serving Members Depart

By jili tutorial · September 16, 2026

GREF Announces Board Reshuffle: New Treasurer and Secretary Appointed as Long-Serving Members Depart

Overview: A Transitional Moment for European Gambling Regulation

On Monday, the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) unveiled a significant reshuffle of its leadership board, marking the end of an era for two veteran members and the start of fresh leadership. The changes reflect broader shifts within European gambling regulation, including personnel turnover at key national authorities and evolving regulatory priorities across the continent.

GREF operates as a collaborative network that unites national gambling regulators from Europe and beyond. Its core mission is to facilitate open dialogue, enable information exchange, and promote the sharing of best practices on regulatory strategies. By fostering cooperation between member states, GREF plays a pivotal role in harmonising approaches to gambling oversight, consumer protection, and industry enforcement.

Departures: Two Long-Standing Board Members Step Down

Tim Miller: A Key UK Figure During Regulatory Overhaul

Tim Miller, who resigned from the UK Gambling Commission earlier this year, has formally stepped down from the GREF board and relinquished his position as treasurer. Miller had been a prominent member of the forum for several years, representing the UK during a period of intense regulatory transformation.

During his tenure, the Gambling Commission implemented wide-ranging reforms to online gambling regulation, including the introduction of stricter affordability checks — measures designed to assess whether players could reasonably afford their gambling activity. These changes sparked considerable debate across the industry, with supporters arguing they were essential for protecting vulnerable consumers, while critics contended they encroached on personal freedom.

GREF officially expressed its gratitude for Miller’s contributions, acknowledging the depth of his engagement and the value he brought to the forum’s work. His departure from both the Gambling Commission and GREF signals a generational shift in UK gambling oversight.

Jean-Michel Costes: French Regulator Bows Out

Jean-Michel Costes has also exited the GREF board following the conclusion of his role at France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) — the country’s national gambling authority. Costes’ involvement with GREF coincided with a period when numerous European regulators, including the ANJ, sharpened their focus on two key areas:

The ANJ, under Costes’ influence, became one of the more proactive regulators in Europe regarding advertising restrictions. France has since introduced some of the continent’s most stringent rules on gambling marketing, including bans on celebrity endorsements and limits on broadcast advertising during peak hours.

The forum thanked Costes for his “dedicated service,” recognising his role in advancing consumer protection across the region.

New Appointments: Fresh Leadership Takes the Helm

Ian Angus: New Treasurer with Deep UK Policy Experience

Replacing Miller as treasurer is Ian Angus, who currently serves as director of policy at the UK Gambling Commission. Since 2020, Angus has been closely engaged in policy development, most notably contributing to the Gambling Act white paper and its recommendations on financial risk assessments.

The white paper, published in April 2023, represents the most significant review of UK gambling legislation in nearly two decades. Its recommendations included:

Angus’s appointment as treasurer carries symbolic weight. It signals a continuation of UK influence within GREF, even as the Gambling Commission navigates its own leadership changes. The UK has historically been one of the most influential voices in European gambling regulation, and Angus’s presence ensures that institutional knowledge and policy expertise remain at the forum’s core.

In a related development, Ruth Evans has been named the new chair of the UK Gambling Commission, succeeding Charles Counsell, who held the position for over a year. Evans brings her own extensive background in consumer protection and regulatory governance to the role.

Olivia Petit: Academic Expertise Joins the Board

Olivia Petit has been appointed as the new board secretary of GREF. Petit is an associate professor at KEDGE Business School, where her research focuses on consumer behaviour in digital environments and the impact of emerging technologies — areas that are increasingly central to gambling regulation.

Her academic background brings a different dimension to the GREF board, which has traditionally been dominated by career regulators. Petit’s expertise in areas such as:

…could prove invaluable as European regulators grapple with the challenges posed by rapidly evolving gambling products, including loot boxes, skill-based gaming, and immersive virtual reality casinos.

What This Reshuffle Means for European Gambling Regulation

The simultaneous departure of two senior figures and the appointment of fresh leadership comes at a critical juncture for European gambling policy. Several trends are shaping the regulatory landscape:

  1. Increasing harmonisation: While individual nations retain sovereignty over their gambling laws, GREF’s role in facilitating cross-border cooperation is becoming more important, particularly in tackling illegal offshore operators.

  2. Technological disruption: The rise of cryptocurrencies, blockchain-based gambling, and AI-driven personalisation poses new challenges for regulators, requiring expertise that extends beyond traditional legal and enforcement backgrounds.

  3. Post-pandemic scrutiny: The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in online gambling participation, prompting many regulators to revisit their frameworks for protecting players in a digital-first environment.

  4. Shifting political winds: Changes in government and public opinion across Europe have placed gambling regulation under greater scrutiny, with some jurisdictions moving towards stricter controls while others explore liberalisation.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for the New Board

With Angus handling financial stewardship and Petit bringing academic rigour to the secretariat role, GREF is positioning itself for a future that values both regulatory experience and research-driven insight. The board’s composition now reflects a blend of:

Observers will be watching to see how the new leadership addresses key issues such as the regulation of emerging technologies, cross-border enforcement cooperation, and the development of common standards for responsible gambling across the continent.

Summary: A Balanced Transition

The GREF reshuffle represents a carefully managed transition that honours the contributions of outgoing members while embracing fresh perspectives. Miller and Costes leave with their legacies intact — Miller for his role in advancing UK online gambling reforms, and Costes for his contributions to French advertising and player protection measures.

Angus and Petit arrive with complementary skill sets that position GREF well for the challenges ahead. As European gambling regulation continues to evolve, the forum’s ability to adapt its leadership will be crucial in maintaining its relevance and effectiveness.

The coming months will reveal how these changes translate into action, but for now, the house in order — and the furniture has been thoughtfully rearranged.