Allwyn UK has announced that Andria Vidler will step down as chief executive, with Phil Walker appointed as interim CEO while the company begins its search for a permanent successor.
The leadership change follows the completion of key transition milestones linked to Allwyn UK’s Fourth National Lottery licence. Vidler joined the business in October 2023 after Allwyn secured the licence and led the company through the transition to becoming operator of The National Lottery in February 2024.
During her time as CEO, Allwyn UK delivered major technology and infrastructure improvements for The National Lottery’s 43,500 retail partners. The company also upgraded its website and mobile application, added one million active digital users, relaunched Lotto, introduced Powerball to the UK market and launched new online and scratchcard games.
Following the completion of these projects, Vidler and Allwyn UK Chairman Justin King agreed that the timing was appropriate for her departure. Vidler will continue supporting the company during a transition period and will remain in an advisory role until the end of October.
King said: “Since Andria joined us, she has led from the front through an intense period of change, helping to complete the much-needed and long-overdue transformation of The National Lottery.
“With the major transition milestones delivered, now is the right time to look to the future and build on the solid foundations that have been laid to create a strong platform for future growth. We are pleased to welcome Phil as Interim CEO as we continue to modernise and strengthen The National Lottery for players, retailers and Good Causes.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andria for leading this transformation with drive, focus and commitment, and I wish her every future success.”
Phil Walker Takes Charge During Next Growth Phase
Walker will begin his interim CEO role on 7 September, bringing experience from senior positions across the betting and gaming sector.
He previously held several leadership roles at William Hill, including UK & Ireland Managing Director, Online Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer. During his time with the company, William Hill recorded growth across its digital and retail operations.
Walker later became Chief Commercial Officer at 888 Holdings, now known as evoke, after 888 acquired William Hill in 2021. He has also worked as a consultant and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at City Gaming.
Allwyn UK said Walker’s background in digital, commercial and operational transformation will support the company as it builds on the work completed under Vidler’s leadership.
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 long-standing 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.”
The appointment is intended to provide continuity while Allwyn UK conducts its search for a permanent CEO.
National Lottery Modernisation Continues Under New Leadership
Vidler leaves Allwyn UK after overseeing one of the most significant periods of change for The National Lottery since its launch in 1994.
Allwyn received the Fourth National Lottery licence in September 2023 after a competitive process and took operational control in February 2024. The company’s licence runs for 10 years, with plans to continue developing the lottery throughout the contract period.
The transition included upgrades to retail technology, improvements to digital services and the introduction of new products. One of the notable launches was Powerball, which marked the first time the US lottery brand became available outside the United States.
Vidler said in a press release: “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 that this work has helped strengthen The National Lottery’s ability to raise vital funds for Good Causes across the UK.
“But transforming The National Lottery is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the major transition now complete, and The National Lottery in a stronger position to keep delivering for the nation, this feels like the right moment for me to pass on the baton. I wish Justin, Phil and everyone at Allwyn the very best for the future — and look forward to becoming a player again myself.”
The National Lottery continues to generate funding for projects designated by Parliament. Allwyn operates the lottery but does not distribute Good Cause funding.
The National Lottery generates more than £33 million each week on average for funded projects across the UK. Since its launch in 1994, it has raised more than £53 billion, awarded over £103 billion in prizes and created more than 8,000 millionaires or multi-millionaires.
Leadership Change Follows Wider Allwyn Expansion
The CEO transition at Allwyn UK comes as the wider Allwyn group continues making senior leadership changes.
The company recently appointed Khalid Reede Jones as CEO of Allwyn North America, following his previous role as executive director of the Virginia Lottery. Allwyn UK also appointed Katie Harbron as Director of Games and Bridget Lea as Managing Director for Retail on a global basis.
The group previously appointed Tatiana Jouanneau as Group Chief Brand Officer and brought in Kresimir Spajic, former Betfred US chief executive, to lead its digital division.