MERKUR Casino UK Appoints Dan Whitlam as Head of Compliance

Whitlam to Lead Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

Dan Whitlam will join MERKUR Casino UK as Head of Compliance, reporting to Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun.

In his new role, 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.

He will also lead MERKUR Casino UK’s engagement with the Gambling Commission, local authorities and relevant industry bodies across the company’s portfolio of High Street Gaming Centres, bingo venues and casino operations.

Appointment Supports Leadership Succession Planning

Commenting on the appointment, Chief Operating Officer Mark Schertle said it forms part of the company’s succession planning ahead of Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027.

“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,” Schertle said.

He added that Whitlam brings extensive compliance experience from several major organisations within the gaming industry, as well as the Gambling Commission.

MERKUR Highlights Regulatory Expertise

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.”

Whitlam Outlines Compliance Approach

Looking ahead to his new role, Dan Whitlam said he was looking forward to joining MERKUR and building on its existing compliance culture.

“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,” Whitlam said.

Whitlam also highlighted his intention to combine his experience at the Gambling Commission and GamCare with his previous operational and player protection work.

“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"