The Government's gambling regulator has acquired a new chairman in the body of Brian Pomeroy.
Mr Pomeroy, who officially joins the Gambling Commission next January 2008, will replace the current chair Peter Dean.
His new duties will involve enforcing the updated Gambling Act and taking action against casinos and online gaming sites which breach the Code of Conduct.
Announcing the new appointment, secretary of state for culture, media and sport James Purnell said: "The Gambling Commission is a tough new regulator with stringent powers that allow them to take decisive action against operators who fail to meet the high standards required by the Gambling Act.
"Brian has a strong background in both the private and public sectors and his leadership experience will be invaluable as the Commission takes on the challenge of ensuring a socially responsible gambling industry. He will build on the legacy of departing chair Peter Dean, who has guided the Gambling Commission through implementation of the Gambling Act with great conviction, making it the effective regulator that it is today."
Brian Pomeroy said his priority will be to "make sure that the gambling industry meets the tough new standards required by the Act".
The Government's gambling regulator has acquired a new chairman in the body of Brian Pomeroy.