Merkur Casino UK appoints ex-Gambling Commission executive as Head of Compliance
Dan Whitlam has been appointed Head of Compliance at Merkur Casino UK, with effect from September 28. He will be responsible for leading the company’s engagement with the Gambling Commission, local authorities and relevant industry bodies.
Key takeaways:
- Dan Whitlam will join MERKUR Casino UK as head of compliance on September 28, 2026.
- Whitlam previously served as a director of compliance at the Gambling Commission and as head of safer gambling at GamCare.
- He will oversee regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection and anti-money laundering.
- Whitlam will report to Egemen Coskun, chief financial officer, and lead MERKUR’s engagement with the Gambling Commission and other authorities.
- The appointment is part of a succession plan as Amanda Kiernan, the company’s current head of compliance, plans to retire in April 2027.
MERKUR Casino UK has appointed former Gambling Commission executive Dan Whitlam as Head of Compliance, effective September 28, 2026. His appointment forms part of a planned succession ahead of Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027, with Whitlam set to oversee regulatory compliance, safer gambling and player protection.
Press release.- MERKUR Casino UK has appointed Dan Whitlam as head of compliance, effective September 28, 2026. He will provide strategic leadership and independent oversight across regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, data protection and governance.
In his new role, Whitlam will also lead MERKUR Casino UK’s engagement with the Gambling Commission, local authorities and relevant industry bodies, with a remit that includes the brand’s portfolio of High Street Gaming Centre, bingo and casino operations. He will report to chief financial officer Egemen Coskun.
Mark Schertle, chief operating officer at MERKUR Casino UK, said: “This is part of the company’s succession planning ahead of Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027. The timing provides for a structured handover and continuity within this important function.
“Dan brings extensive compliance experience gained from working with several major organisations within the gaming industry, as well as the Gambling Commission.”
Egemen Coskun, chief financial officer, added: “Dan brings strong knowledge of gaming regulation, regulatory risk, safer gambling and player protection, together with experience of working with regulators and other key stakeholders. His background will help MERKUR Casino UK continue to develop its compliance strategy and respond effectively to the changing regulatory environment.
“This appointment demonstrates our continued commitment to strong compliance leadership and independent oversight and also reflects the importance we place on maintaining high standards, protecting vulnerable customers and ensuring that regulatory requirements are embedded consistently across all areas of the business.”
Commenting on his new role at MERKUR Casino UK, Whitlam said: “MERKUR is already a strong and ambitious business with an excellent compliance culture, so I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation, building on what is already in place and helping to push standards even higher.
“I want to combine the insight I gained from my time at the Gambling Commission and GamCare, with my previous operational and player protection experience, to help MERKUR continue to develop a compliance framework that is robust, proportionate and practical.
“For me, the best compliance functions are not there simply to say no or to police the rest of the business. They should understand the operation, identify risk early, help the business find solutions and ultimately enable it to grow sustainably while maintaining high standards of player protection.”
Dan Whitlam’s experience before MERKUR Casino UK
Whitlam has extensive experience in the industry, including a tenure at the Gambling Commission where he was director of compliance. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing licensed operators’ regulatory compliance, as well as assessing their adherence to licence conditions, codes of practice, and regulatory requirements.
He was also head of safer gambling at GamCare. In this role, he led the organisation’s industry-facing harm prevention work, including safer gambling training, accreditation and helpline referrals. He increased the number and value of clients, as well as the impact of the organisation’s work, in order to raise standards.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Who is MERKUR Casino UK’s new Head of Compliance?
Dan Whitlam has been appointed Head of Compliance, effective September 28, 2026. He previously held compliance roles at the Gambling Commission and GamCare. - What will Dan Whitlam do at MERKUR Casino UK?
He will oversee regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering and other governance functions, while leading engagement with regulators and industry bodies. - Why has MERKUR Casino UK appointed Dan Whitlam?
The appointment is part of a planned succession ahead of current Head of Compliance Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027. - Who will Dan Whitlam report to at MERKUR Casino UK?
Whitlam will report to chief financial officer Egemen Coskun.
