Dr. Karin Schnarr Becomes the New CEO and Registrar of Ontario's Alcohol and Gaming Commission

According to a recent announcement by the Board of Directors of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Dr. Karin Schnarr is being appointed at the next Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the organization.

Dr. Schnarr replaces Tom Mungham in the role after he recently announced his retirement. She will step into her new role starting on September 18, 2023.

Dr. Schnarr brings an impressive track record with her to AGCO. She has undertaken array of senior executive roles in the academic, public, and private sectors. Now, the senior executive has the opportunity to use that experience to drive AGCO forward in its role as the regulator of the online casino Ontario regulated market.

AGCO was founded in 1998 and works alongside iGaming Ontario to ensure the iGaming market in Ontario is fair, open, and secure. AGCO is responsible for regulating the market, while iGaming Ontario conducts and manages iGaming services in the province that are provided by private operators.

In her role as Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, Dr. Schnarr brings fresh insight and a high level of academic and business success to the future of iGaming regulation in Ontario. From an academic point of view, the Doctor holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from the Ivey School of Business (Ivey) at Western University. She also has an MBA from Ivey and an MA (English Literature) from Queen’s University. Further to this, Dr. Schnarr has a BA (Hon. English Literature) and a BSc from the University of Waterloo.

Currently, she brings her academic insights to the position of Associate Professor of Strategic Management at the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. Since commencing her time at the university, the Doctor has undertaken various roles, including Director of MBA and BBA Programs. She also participates on the university's Board of Governors and Senate.

Other valuable experience that Dr. Schnarr brings to her AGCO role includes her work within the Government of Ontario. She was Chief of Staff to various ministers. While working in these roles, she was integral to shaping public policy, legislation, and regulations. Dr. Schnarr was also Chair of the Ontario Government’s Task Force on Women and the Economy.

Over the years, both within and outside of the professional environment, the Doctor has developed a reputation as a “seasoned relationship builder.” This reputation includes working with stakeholders and external partners. In addition, she supports a variety of community initiatives including the National Advocacy Committee for ALS Canada and the Kids Health Foundation.

Further to this range of prior experience, Dr. Schnarr most recently served on the board of The Waterloo Regional Police Services. The Board thanked her for her leadership and her commitment in the areas of policing and governance when she announced that she was moving on. In return, the Doctor thanked the members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service for their dedication and professionalism.

It’s clear that Dr. Schnarr possesses an array of valuable attributes and knowledge that will be vital in helping her fulfill her role at AGCO, including a previous stint as a member of the iGaming Ontario Board of Directors.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.