Allwyn has appointed Steve Parkinson, formerly of Bauer Media, as brand and marketing director for its Allwyn UK ​​business.

Parkinson takes up the role at Allwyn with immediate effect after leaving Bauer in December after 16 years. The Bauer media group, which operates in Great Britain, operates a large number of radio stations and magazines.

During his time at Bauer, Parkinson held several senior positions. Most recently, he was Chief Strategic Partners and Events Officer. He was also group managing director for national brands.

Parkinson previously worked at Emap Radio, Chrysalis Music Group and Metro Radio.

“I’ve had a lot of fun working with so many great Bauer people and brands, but I’m ready for a new personal challenge in 2024,” Parkinson said in an interview LinkedIn post. “I leave the company with record reach and sales, a portfolio of sell-out shows in the UK and abroad and many, many fantastic talented people and presenters across the UK.”

Allwyn expands UK team ahead of National Lottery takeover

Parkinson is Allwyn’s latest appointment before he takes control of the UK National Lottery next month.

Allwyn will officially begin operating the National Lottery on February 1, having been granted its license in September 2022. It will replace Camelot, which has operated the lottery since its launch in 1994.

Other recent additions to Allwyn UK ​​include Mark Hughes as Chief Security Officer. Hughes joined last month and is now also a member of the Allwyn leadership team.

In September, Allwyn also confirmed its UK leadership team. This also includes Andria Vidler, who joined as CEO in July. Alan Artz joined Allwyn last summer from William Hill as chief financial officer.

Lotto NZ CEO Chris Lyman has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Mark Smith, currently Group Chief Technology Officer at ITV, will now hold the same position at Allwyn.

Other key figures include Gaby Heppner-Logan, Chief Assurance and Participant Protection Officer, and Lucy Buckley, Chief Commercial Officer. Martin Novak will become interim chief data officer and Alastair Ruxton will take on the role of chief strategy and corporate affairs officer.

Other appointments include Chief People Officer Sam Sheriff, General Counsel Harry Willits and Operations Director Jenny Blogg. Eddie Bennett and Paul Lumb will serve as transformation directors of operations and technology, respectively.

It was also confirmed this week that International Game Technology (IGT) has withdrawn its legal challenge to the decision to award the National Lottery license to Allwyn.

The technology giant had filed a claim for damages. However, this week IGT asked the appeals court to dismiss the lawsuit.

IGT was not the only party to challenge the decision. Camelot was also looking for a legal way to prevent the move.

Along with Allwyn, Camelot was one of the parties that applied for the license. Also involved were The New Lottery Company, owned by health lottery operator Northern and Shell, and Italian company Sisal.

However, Camelot dropped the legal offer in September 2022, after which Allwyn agreed to waive any claims for costs or damages against Camelot.