Dan Whitlam will be joining MERKUR Casino UK as Head of Compliance. Whitlam will take on compliance responsibility for the company’s portfolio of casino, bingo and High Street Gaming Centre operations starting September 28.
The Head of Compliance role includes oversight of regulatory engagement, financial crime prevention and governance, and reports to Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun.
Whitlam’s responsibilities will cover regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, data protection and governance across MERKUR Casino UK’s operations.
He will also lead the company’s engagement with the Gambling Commission, local authorities and relevant industry bodies on behalf of the full portfolio.
Whitlam previously worked with several organizations in the gaming sector, including the Gambling Commission and GamCare.
“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,” said Chief Operating Officer Mark Schertle.
“Dan brings extensive compliance experience gained from working with several major organisations within the gaming industry, as well as the Gambling Commission,” Schertle 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,” said Coskun.
“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,” Coskun added.
Whitlam outlines approach to the expanded remit
Whitlam said he intends to draw on his prior experience as he takes on responsibility across the company’s operations.
“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,” said Whitlam.
“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,” he added.
On his view of the compliance function, Whitlam said: “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.”