Allwyn UK has named Snapchat exec Bridget Lea as its new managing director for retail, as part of a revamp of The National Lottery operator’s division.
Lea will join the firm from Snapchat parent company Snap, where she currently serves as vice-president and general manager of the UK.
Lea, who is also the chair of the board of governors at Manchester Metropolitan University, previously worked as managing director of commercial for EE.
The new Allwyn exec also counts spells with Sainsbury’s and O2 on her CV, with experience across omnichannel cited by Allwyn as a key benefit to the group.
Lea will step into the newly created role on 19 January. Allwyn said it had introduced the position to reflect its “renewed focus on accelerating performance in its retail channel”.
Lea will replace director of operations Jenny Blogg in overseeing the division.
Blogg is to leave Allwyn in the spring to pursue a new opportunity, according to the operator.
She had worked at Camelot when it previously ran The National Lottery, before moving over to Allwyn after it acquired the business.
Allwyn said: “With a passion for consumer engagement and a proven track record of driving digital transformation and omnichannel strategies, Bridget will spearhead initiatives to create relevant growth opportunities and strengthen partnerships with National Lottery retailers across the UK.”
Alongside Lea, Allwyn has handed new roles to a trio of senior execs as part of its revamp of the division.
Alison Acquaye-Acford will step up to become retail revenue and customer director, having been with the firm since November 2024.
Former retail transformation chief James Dunbar has been named retail strategy and operations director.
Finally, Emma Hubbard has moved into the head of retail delivery position.
Allwyn took over The National Lottery in February 2024. However, the Gambling Commission has noted that the operator has missed targets around tech implementation.
As a result, an ongoing enforcement investigation is in place.
The latest Gambling Commission annual report stated: “The completion of the 4NL Competition Programme activities is aligned to Allwyn’s delivery of its application.
“This includes agreed upgrades to the systems, the website and mobile application, to enhance the user experience and ensure The National Lottery is fit for purpose for the duration of the licence and beyond.
“Allwyn did not deliver full functionality (being all elements of their application in the competition which they originally committed to deliver by licence start date) by February 2025 as it was contractually required to do and, as a consequence, an enforcement investigation was initiated by the Commission and is ongoing.
“This process is separate from the day-to-day regulation of The National Lottery and any decision taken will be done so independently.”
On her new role, Lea said: “I’m excited to join Allwyn at such a pivotal time for The National Lottery.
“Retailers play a vital role in communities nationwide, and I look forward to working with our partners to create modern, engaging experiences that delight players and support the ongoing transformation of The National Lottery.”
Andria Vidler, Allwyn UK CEO, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Bridget to Allwyn.
“Her extensive experience in retail innovation and digital transformation will be instrumental as we continue to transform this wonderful British institution and deliver even more for National Lottery good causes.
“Bridget’s leadership will help us provide an exceptional service to our 43,500 retail partners and millions of National Lottery players across the UK.
“We’d like to wish Jenny every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her significant contribution to Allwyn and The National Lottery during her time with us.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
The post Allwyn UK revamps retail division with new MD from Snapchat first appeared on EGR Intel.
The National Lottery operator remains under Gambling Commission investigation over missed targets, with team now in place to drive “growth, innovation and execution”
The post Allwyn UK revamps retail division with new MD from Snapchat first appeared on EGR Intel.