UK National Lottery operator names ex-William Hill and 888 executive as interim CEO

Phil Walker will step in to replace Andria Vidler, as Allwyn continues its renewal of the UK National Lottery.

UK.- Allwyn UK, the operator of the British National Lottery, has announced the appointment of Phil Walker as interim chief executive officer (CEO). The appointment will take effect from September 7. Walker will step in to replace Andria Vidler (pictured above), the former CEO of marketing production firm TAG Worldwide and EMI in the UK and Ireland, who took the helm of Allwyn UK in October 2023. 

Currently a non-executive director at high street gaming hall operator City Gaming, Walker is a former chief operating officer of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. He also served as a senior executive manager at William Hill for over four years from 2019 and then transitioned to chief commercial officer at 888 Holdings (now Evoke Plc) between 2023-2024, following the firm’s acquisition of Wiliam Hill in 2021.

Allwyn, whose parent is now registered in Switzerland, said that Walker’s expertise would help it build on the progress made in its digital transformation and the next phase of growth for The National Lottery.

“Phil’s appointment will ensure an orderly transition and continued focus on growth while a search is undertaken for a permanent successor,” it said.

The company added: “Since being formally awarded the Fourth National Lottery licence in September 2023, during Andria’s tenure, Allwyn UK has completed significant technology and infrastructure updates for The National Lottery’s 43,500 retail partners, as well as a major upgrade to its website and app. It has also welcomed 1 million new active digital users, relaunched New Lotto, introduced Powerball to the UK, and launched new online and scratchcard games. 

“Following the completion of these Fourth Licence transition milestones under her leadership, Andria Vidler and Allwyn UK Chairman Justin King agreed that this is the right moment for her to step down”.

Justin King, Chair of Allwyn Entertainment Limited, 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.”

Vidler took the helm at Allwyn UK ahead of the start of the start of its ten-year National Lottery licence from February 1, 2024. She will remain in an advisory capacity in a transition period through to the end of October.

“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,” she said.