Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler is set to step down at The National Lottery operator and be replaced on an interim basis by former William Hill and 888 chief Phil Walker.
Vidler, who has served as Allwyn UK boss since 1 October 2023, will depart following discussions with the board
A former EMI executive, Vidler oversaw the £450m tech overhaul at The National Lottery earlier this year in which 11.8 million player accounts were migrated to a new platform.
The National Lottery retail estate was also given a significant revamp as part of the change.
Vidler was appointed ahead of Allwyn taking on the fourth National Lottery licence in February 2024 after winning the Gambling Commission-led tender in 2022.
Allwyn UK, which is a subsidiary of pan-European lottery and gaming giant Allwyn, replaced Camelot as The National Lottery licence holder.
Walker will lead Allwyn UK on an interim basis until a permanent successor to Vidler is sourced, EGR understands.
Vidler and Allwyn UK chair Justin King agreed it was the “right moment for her to step down”, a company statement read.
Vidler will remain on hand in an advisory capacity to support Walker through to the end of October.
Walker left 888 in April 2024, having held the post of chief commercial officer. 888 snapped up William Hill’s non-US assets in 2022 which brought Walker into the fold.
He previously joined Hills in 2019 as an online managing director from the Gibraltar Stock Exchange.
He then became UK managing director in 2020, before adding Ireland to his remit in 2023. He stepped up to become commercial chief in July 2023.
Since departing the business, now known as evoke, Walker has been working as an industry consultant and served as a non-executive director at City Gaming Limited.
In April, Allwyn UK revealed a revamped Lotto format and brought the Powerball to UK customers for the first time.
Vidler’s departure comes after Allwyn UK COO Chris Lyman stepped down from his post earlier this month.
Lyman, who likewise joined the group in Q4 2023, formed part of the top team alongside Vidler overseeing the transition.
Allwyn’s tenure running The National Lottery has been peppered by legal challenges from media mogul Sir Richard Desmond and his The New Lottery Company vehicle.
In April, the High Court ruled in the Gambling Commission’s favour after Desmond alleged the regulator had provided “significant assistance” to Allwyn.
The Court of Appeal rejected Desmond’s efforts to reignite the litigation process in July.
Walker said: “I am excited and proud to be taking up the baton from Andria and joining such a vital national institution at this important stage of its growth journey.
“As a longstanding National Lottery player, I know first-hand the difference it makes to communities across the UK and this is a huge part of what attracted me to the role. It will be a real honour to help build on the progress already made.”
Vidler added that transforming The National Lottery is a “marathon, not a sprint” and that it was the “right moment for me to pass on the baton”.
She 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 this work has helped strengthen The National Lottery’s ability to raise vital funds for good causes across the UK.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s executive recruitment partner. It supports ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
The post Allwyn UK announces former William Hill head as interim CEO first appeared on EGR Intel.
Andria Vidler to depart the National Lottery operator and be replaced by Phil Walker after completion of £450m tech overhaul
The post Allwyn UK announces former William Hill head as interim CEO first appeared on EGR Intel.