Allwyn today confirmed its UK leadership team as the company prepares to take control of the country’s national lottery license.
The team includes several new additions. This includes Andria Vidler, who was announced in July as the permanent successor to interim British CEO Robert Chvátal.
Alan Artz joined Allwyn this summer from William Hill as chief financial officer.
Additionally, Lotto New Zealand CEO Chris Lyman will become Chief Operating Officer. Mark Smith, currently group chief technology officer at commercial broadcaster ITV, will start in the same role in November.
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.
The new guidance comes into effect on October 1st.
National lottery license
Allwyn UK is preparing to take control of the National Lottery in February 2024.
Allwyn officially received its fourth National Lottery license a year ago, ending Camelot’s 28-year tenure.
The Gambling Commission announced earlier this year that the European lottery operator was its preferred applicant. The announcement sparked a legal challenge to the decision from Camelot. However, this was withdrawn later in the year.
Allwyn then acquired Camelot’s British operations in November.
Allwyn CEO Chvátal will hand over leadership of the UK leadership team to Vidler in October. He praised “a talented team with extensive experience and a strong personal commitment” committed to communities across the UK.
“Andria and I look forward to working with them in the coming years,” he added.
Camelot Surrender
Camelot’s current co-CEOs Neil Brocklehurst and Clare Swindell also support the handover before their departure.
Accordingly, Chvátal thanked the Camelot leadership team “for their excellent work over many years in supporting the National Lottery.”
He added: “The National Lottery makes a huge contribution to communities across the UK through the money it generates. You have a lot to be proud of. I wish them all the best for the future.”
The influence of the Camelot team remains as several executives move to Allwyn. Blogg and Heppner-Logan are currently Commercial Director and Director of Regulatory Affairs at Camelot. Sheriff joined Allwyn earlier this year after expanding her role as Camelot’s chief people officer.