SolutionsHub names David Lyons as non-executive director

SolutionsHub has appointed David Lyons as a non-executive director to support its Irish operations as gambling regulation in the country continues to develop.

Based in Dublin, Lyons joins the consultancy as operators, suppliers and investors prepare for licensing requirements under the Gambling Regulation Act and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

SolutionsHub opened a Dublin office last year as it expanded in the Irish market. The business advises gambling and fintech companies on licensing, regulation and operations.

His appointment brings senior industry and governance experience at a time when companies active in Ireland are assessing how to structure their businesses for a more formal regulatory regime, including decisions on compliance, operational processes and board oversight.

Lyons has worked across online gaming, financial services and corporate governance for three decades. His career included eight years at PokerStars on the Isle of Man, where he held senior roles, including associate director of poker engagement.

At PokerStars, he was responsible for payments, product and player engagement. He later moved to Luckbox as director of player engagement and then to partypoker as associate director of player engagement.

He also held senior roles at Virtual Gaming Worlds, becoming general manager of Global Poker before taking responsibility for Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Casino. Alongside his work in gaming, he spent more than 16 years in financial services with Bank of Ireland and Standard Life in technology, risk and operations roles.

Outside executive roles, Lyons is a board member of the Asthma Society of Ireland and of VGW Games. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin.

Lee Hills, Chief Executive Officer of SolutionsHub, linked the appointment to the changing regulatory landscape in Ireland.

"Ireland is entering a new phase, and businesses will have important decisions to make as the regulatory framework takes shape. David has worked at senior levels inside gaming businesses for many years and understands the practical challenges operators face," Hills said.

"He has seen the industry from different angles, from player engagement and operations to governance and board-level responsibilities. That experience will be valuable as we continue to grow our Irish portfolio."

Ireland's new framework is expected to reshape how gambling businesses prepare for market access and supervision. For advisers such as SolutionsHub, this is creating demand from companies seeking help with licence applications and internal structures before regulatory expectations are fully established.

Lyons said his experience has centred on balancing commercial demands with regulatory obligations inside gambling businesses.

"I have spent much of my career working inside businesses that have had to balance commercial priorities with regulatory obligations. Ireland is moving into a period where businesses will need to get governance, licensing and operational readiness right from the start," he said.

"SolutionsHub has built a strong reputation for helping businesses approach licensing, governance and compliance in a practical way. That focus on real-world outcomes was a big part of what attracted me to the role."

SolutionsHub has handled more than 120 approvals across licensing and related regulatory work.