Dutch regulator restructures board and operations

Leadership model changes from 2026

From 1 January 2026, the regulator will move to a new governance model. One full-time chair will lead the authority, supported by two part-time board members. Michel Groothuizen will remain chairman and the only full-time executive — marking a clear change.

Recruitment for the two part-time roles is almost complete. According to the authority, this setup may improve focus and accountability. The board will guide strategy and legal duties, while directors manage daily operations.

Pressure on regulators has increased in recent years. Online casinos have grown fast, while illegal supply has spread. Enforcement teams now face more cases and tighter deadlines. Nevertheless, the KSA appears to be acting before risks grow larger.

Departments merge into three directorates

The leadership change comes with a wider operational shift. The KSA will merge its departments into three directorates. These groups will manage daily work under shared leadership — simplifying internal control. The three directorates will focus on:

• Player Protection and Management Advice

• Permits and Supervision

• Digitalisation, Analysis and Business Operations

Each area reflects growing demands placed on the regulator. Workloads have increased as rules expand and digital tools advance.

Roos Lawant will lead Player Protection from 1 February 2026. Ella Seijsener, already working at the authority, will head Permits and Supervision. Digitalisation and operations will be led by Daniël Palomo van Es — also from February.

Strategy shifts toward data and risk

The restructure follows a wider strategy update approved earlier. That strategy focuses on player protection, better data use, and closer supervision of casinos. 

Artificial intelligence now affects both legal casinos and illegal supply. Monitoring systems must keep pace with faster change. International cooperation has also expanded — adding pressure to share data and align rules. Hence, the authority appears to be reshaping itself to meet current risks.

Under the new model, directors will manage staff and daily decisions. The board will focus on long-term goals, legal duties, and public trust. Clear roles may reduce overlap and improve control.

Board departure marks a transition

The changes also include the departure of vice-chair Bernadette van Buchem. She has served on the board since 2018 and is ending a 40-year public career. Her work included senior roles in economic affairs and market oversight.

Until new board members are appointed, Groothuizen will act as sole director — temporarily. Beyond leadership changes, the restructure shows how regulation adapts under pressure.