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The role will see him lead MERKUR Casino UK’s engagement with the Gambling Commission and local authorities
Dan Whitlam, who has extensive industry experience gained working with high-profile organisations including the Gambling Commission and GamCare will be joining MERKUR Casino UK as Head of Compliance effective 28 September 2026.
He will report to Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun. Whitlam will provide strategic leadership and independent oversight across regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, data protection and governance. The role will see him 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.
Expanding on the appointment Chief Operating Officer Mark Schertle 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.” He continued: “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.” Looking ahead to the next chapter in his career .
Dan 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.”
