Our board and team

Chris is highly experienced in financial services and has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors. He is currently Chair of the Money and Mental Health Advisory Board and the Financial Services Consumer Panel at the Financial Conduct Authority. He has previously chaired the Financial Inclusion Commission, served as the CEO of two national charities and was a Work and Pensions minister during his eight years as a Member of Parliament.

Ian brings extensive financial services experience to the Gamstop Board, having most recently served as Divisional Director at Nationwide Building Society. With a background spanning CTO and COO roles he has successfully bridged the gap between business strategy and technological execution. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Stafford Building Society and MDDUS and is Chair of Willowbrook Hospice and Trustee of The Brain Charity, reflecting his strong commitment to community and governance.

Simon is the current Operator Board Director, replacing Roger Parkes in September 2021. Simon brings over 30 years’ experience of compliance and regulatory affairs within the gambling industry, currently as Chief Compliance Officer at Buzz Bingo and before that as UK Compliance Director for the Entain Group. Simon brings knowledge and experience of Safer Gambling-related policies and procedures from the industry and across all sectors within it.

David has been a chartered management accountant for 30 years. He spent his corporate career in senior financial and operational management at Esso, Mars, JP Morgan, SunGard and QBE Insurance. Leaving the rat-race, he freelanced alongside running a smallholding. He also returned to university and completed a Master’s degree and doctorate in military history, going on to lecture undergraduates and postgraduates on the use of air power. He is currently Treasurer and Trustee of Alzheimer’s Research UK, lead finance Trustee at the Heart of England Forest and an independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Royal United Services Institute.

Jo Costello is Head of Membership Services for Rape Crisis England & Wales, the national membership body for Rape Crisis Centres, supporting primarily women and girls who have been subjected to rape or sexual abuse at any time in their lives. Jo has worked in the third sector, education or social care for all of her career, and is committed to supporting people at risk of harm, ensuring they can regain ownership of their lives. Jo is also a charity trustee for a homelessness service, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. When she’s not working, Jo can be found watching snooker, crocheting or climbing hills, although not all at the same time!