Marcus Boyle is reported to be the front running candidate to replace Bill Moyes as Executive Chairman of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

As reported by The Times this weekend, Boyle (55), the former Chief Strategy Officer of Deloitte’s global consultancy business, is considered as the ‘outstanding candidate’ by DCMS to lead a strategic reform of UK gambling’s governing body.

A figurehead within UK arts, Boyle currently serves as the Chair of Trustees for the British American Drama Academy (BADA) and a trustee of London’s Serpentine Gallery.

DCMS is reported to want a fresh face with no prior industry experience or connections to lead the oversight of the UKGC’s regulatory affairs and how the regulator governs its existing relationships with licensed incumbents.

Furthermore, The Times highlighted Boyles executive experience in spearheading organisational changes and large-scale transformations as a much-needed requirement by DCMS – as the UKGC will be charged with implementing the first stage of industry reforms set by the Review of the 2005 Gambling Act.

As stands, Boyle leads DCMS reported shortlist of chair candidates ahead of Conservative peer Lord Chadlington and Anna van der Gaag, the current chair of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board.