Sisal SpA has announced the formation of a UK advisory board for the firm’s UK National Lottery bid led by Baroness Karren Brady.
Competing in the Fourth National Lottery competition, Sisal has formed an advisory board to provide its bid team with oversight and expertise on the UK market.
A Conservative Party life-peer and former Small Business Ambassador, Brady will chair Sisal UK’s advisory that is formed of business and CSR figureheads.
Brady commented on her appointment: “I am delighted to be working with Sisal on its application for the Fourth National Lottery Licence.”
“Our lottery is a treasured institution that generates substantial funds for good causes across the UK. Sisal’s proven track record of managing and growing lotteries in Italy, Turkey and Morocco make them a strong contender and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the advisory board as the application progresses.”
Also appointed to the advisory board is the social mobility and welfare expert Lord Victor Adebowale, the current chair of the NHS Confederation.
UK retail and investment expertise will be provided by former ASDA chairman Andy Clarke and seasoned proven private equity executive Gary Hughes.
The bid’s mass-market strategy and stakeholder guidance will be led by UK creative advertising figurehead MT Rainey, and Conservative Peer and former Minister for Culture, Lord Ed Vaizey.
The UK Gambling Commission is expected to announce the winner of the multi-billion pound tender in February 2022, followed by a two-year changeover period.
Sisal is competing against the current incumbents of the National Lottery license, Camelot, as well as India’s Sugal & Damani and the Czech Republic’s Sazka Group, under the UK identity Allwyn.
Achieving bid wins in Turkey and Morocco, the Milan-based operator is seeking to further diversify its global presence, as the company is rumoured to be planning for a Milan Stock Exchange IPO.
“Each member brings unrivalled experience across key areas of industry and society that are central to our strategy and will help us to deliver the best possible solution for the National Lottery,” said Sisal CEO Francesco Durante.
“We’ve invested the time to secure the right team and ensured each of their values align with our vision for the future of the National Lottery. Together with our partners, the advisory board will add valuable insight and strategic counsel as we approach the final stage of the application.”
