Senior Management Team

Mark Harris – Chief Executive

Mark Harris was appointed as the National Lottery Commission’s first Chief Executive Officer in April 1999.  He has a strong background in public sector governance, audit and regulation. Mark led the design of the competition for the third UK National Lottery licence, working with NM Rothschild as the Commission’s lead advisors.

Under his executive lead, the Commission has worked with the operator (Camelot) to introduce a wider games portfolio, develop innovative new playing channels, and earn respect for the UK National Lottery’s work to prevent underage and excessive play. Mark holds a law degree and is a qualified public sector accountant.  He previously worked in public sector audit, and on strategic development within the NHS and the Audit Commission. He is a graduate of the Cabinet Office’s Top Management Programme.

Simon D’Arcy – Director of Compliance

Simon D’Arcy joined the Commission in April 2010 as interim Head of Compliance from Vaultex UK Ltd where he was Head of Internal Audit. Prior to that Simon worked for Abbey National where he spent 14 years fulfilling a variety of roles, including Head of Audit for the main retail bank.

Simon has been an Institute of Internal Auditors UK and Ireland volunteer member since 1996 serving on various committees including the Professional Education Committee, which he chaired. Simon was President of the IIA UK in 2007/08 and a member of the IIA Global Board in 2008 and 2009.

Joy Watkins - Director of Resources

Joy Watkins joined the Commission in July 2001 as Head of Compliance and in September 2008 was appointed Director of Resources. Joy is a qualified CIPFA accountant and trained with the Audit Commission. Prior to joining the National Lottery Commission she was the Compliance Manager for FOCUS, the Training and Enterprise Council for central London. Joy has also worked in the public sector team of KPMG undertaking a range of external and internal audit work.

Ben Haden – Director of Corporate Affairs

Related Links

• Working at the Commission

  The National Lottery Commission is a small friendly organisation of under 50 people. Our staff are all based in our Central London office.