Thursday June 23, 2011 : Gamcare gets a new president
Lord Sharman of Redlynch, chairman of international insurance group Aviva, has been appointed as the new president of GamCare, the UK’s national responsible gambling charity. He will take up his responsibilities in September this year, a Gamcare spokesman revealed this week.
"I am pleased to take on the mantle of my friend and predecessor as President of GamCare, Lord McIntosh of Haringey, who sadly died last year," Lord Sharman commented.
"GamCare is an excellent example of real corporate responsibility in action, where industry and charity work together to address an important but largely hidden social issue. I am looking forward to doing what I can to help ensure that the industry’s money is spent wisely and well to help gamblers and their families."
Welcoming the news, GamCare chairman Anthony Jennens said: "I am extremely pleased that Lord Sharman has agreed to become our president. He will add a powerful and authoritative voice to our cause. His exemplary record in business is matched by his experience and knowledge both of corporate responsibility and central government.
"Lord Sharman’s considerable experience, wisdom and energy will help us strengthen our influence and extend our reach.”
Lord Sharman became chairman of Aviva plc in 2006, having been appointed to the Aviva Board in 2005. Before joining Aviva, he had a long association with KPMG, becoming chairman KPMG International in 1997.
He entered the House of Lords as Baron Sharman of Redlynch in October 1999 and sits on the Liberal Democrat benches, where he has spoken particularly on business, enterprise and regulatory reform.
In 2002 Lord Sharman completed a study of Central Government Audit and Accountability commissioned by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
He is also chairman of the Advisory Panel for GoodCorporation, which is internationally recognised as a leader in corporate responsibility and business ethics.