Allwyn has named former William Hill COO Elena Chambers as the group’s new chief transformation and corporate development officer.
Chambers, who started in the role on 18 November, will be responsible for enhancing the UK National Lottery operator’s “transformation initiatives and further build the Allwyn brand”.
Allwyn added that Chambers would also lead on “large-scale projects” and “optimise business functions” in her role.
She joins the business from Virgin Media O2, where she held the role of director of strategy and transformation since June 2023.
Prior to heading into telecoms, Chambers served as evoke (then 888) COO after the operator acquired William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars Entertainment in 2022.
Chambers had originally joined Hills in September 2018 as a transformation director before being named chief of staff in September 2019.
She then added the COO role to her remit in January 2022, a position she retained in the combined 888 and Hills company.
Speaking on her arrival, Chambers said: “Allwyn is a truly exciting and dynamic company with a mission to transform the impact of lotteries and casual gaming.
“The business has a strong commitment to enhancing its social impact and delivering strategic growth underpinned by core foundational values.
“I look forward to working with the team in this exciting new chapter for the business to help deliver even better lotteries and games, and I’m delighted to have been appointed.”
Robert Chvátal, Allwyn CEO, added: “Elena is a dynamic and proven business leader, with an exceptional track record of delivering business-wide change.
“Her capabilities in growing and optimising global businesses will be indispensable as we seek to make lotteries even more entertaining and enhance the positive impact they can have on society.”
The appointment comes as The National Lottery celebrates its 30th anniversary by announcing a total of £50bn has been raised for good causes in the UK since its launch in 1994.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, The National Lottery has reported more than £30m is raised by players every week, with the monies having funded over 700,000 projects.
The £50bn good causes fund has supported the making of 600 films in the UK and helped more than 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes to win medals via the funding of training facilities.
As part of the anniversary, photographer Thomas Duke has unveiled exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery highlighting ’30 Game Changing Moments’ made possible by good causes funding.
The National Lottery has also launched a social media campaign with the #ThanksToYou, encouraging people to share selfies while crossing their fingers – the same motif as The National Lottery’s logo.
Andria Vidler, Allwyn UK CEO, said: “Today marks a remarkable milestone as National Lottery players have now raised £50bn for good causes across the UK.
“Over 30 years, this hasn’t just been about numbers – it’s been about countless lives changed and communities transformed, while continuing to create millionaires nationwide.
“As we look forward, our plans to transform The National Lottery are underway and we’re committed to raising even more for these vital good causes.”
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross added: “Today, we are celebrating the 30th birthday of The National Lottery. Since it was established, the Lottery has raised a staggering £50bn for good causes, funding more than 700,000 projects and supporting communities in every corner of the UK.
“Since that first draw in 1994 it has reshaped our sporting landscape, strengthened our communities and played a starring role in building our status as one of the most vibrant centres of filmmaking in the world.
“Our sports, culture and heritage are richer because of The National Lottery. It has touched the lives of millions, and its imprint is visible today across our country. I can’t wait to see what a difference the Lottery makes over the next three decades.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
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