Interim chief exec appointed to Allwyn
OPERATOR for The National Lottery Allwyn has announced a change in leadership as Andria Vidler, outgoing chief executive, has announced she will step down from her position.
Vidler will formally stand down from her role as chief executive of Allwyn after her successful tenure in the position which saw Allwyn receive the fourth National Lottery licence in September 2023, taking over from previous operator Camelot.
During this time, Allwyn has completed significant technology and infrastructure upgrades for The National Lottery and oversaw a major upgrade to its website and app.
It has also welcomed over 1million new active digital users, introduced Powerball to the UK and launched new Scratchcard games, including the most recent ‘When it’s Gold Outside’, which introduced Allwyn’s biggest jackpot to date for a Scratchcard game.
Allwyn has now appointed Phil Walker as the interim chief executive, which will officially take effect from 7 September. Walker joins the organisation following six years at William Hill where he held a variety of roles across the firm including UK & Ireland managing director, online managing director and chief commercial officer.
Walker’s appointment will allow for Allwyn to seek an orderly transition as Vidler leaves and provide a smooth focus on growth as the search is undertaken for a permanent successor. Vidler will remain in a advisory capacity through a transition period to support Walkers until the end of October.
Speaking on her decision, Vidler said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead Allwyn UK through such an important period for The National Lottery. The last three years have required enormous focus and commitment from colleagues right across the business, and I am proud of what we have delivered together.
“Above all, I am proud that this work has helped strengthen The National Lottery’s ability to raise vital funds for Good Causes across the UK.
“But transforming The National Lottery is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the major transition now complete, and The National Lottery in a stronger position to keep delivering for the nation, this feels like the right moment for me to pass on the baton. I wish Justin, Phil and everyone at Allwyn the very best for the future — and look forward to becoming a player again myself.”
