Allwyn has turned to industry veteran Kresimir Spajic to head up Allwyn Digital, a newly launched division created to drive the group’s online and interactive strategy.
Spajic will take up the post on 1 September, reporting to group CEO Robert Chvátal from Allwyn’s office in Lucerne.
His remit covers iGaming, sportsbook and wider digital products, as the company looks to build a more connected entertainment offering beyond its traditional lottery operations.
Welcoming the hire, Chvátal said: “Kresimir’s appointment is a transformative step for our business.
“His expertise perfectly aligns with our commitment to continuously enhancing the player experience across our digital portfolio of products and games. I am delighted to welcome him to Allwyn in this exciting new chapter.”
Industry experience
Spajic brings more than 20 years of sector experience, including senior posts with Apollo Global Management, Great Canadian Entertainment and Hard Rock International.
Most recently he was CEO of Betfred’s US arm, where he guided the bookmaker’s strategy, growth and international development. With the Betfred sportsbook now winding down in the US, his experience has clearly been noted as an opportunity by Allwyn.
Speaking on his move, Spajic added: “Allwyn has a bold ambition of transforming the way players engage with lotteries, gaming and casual entertainment. Allwyn Digital is the natural next step in that journey – to be more seamlessly connected, digitally integrated and innovative – and I look forward to working with all the team to deliver for players and for the business.”
The creation of Allwyn Digital signals the operator’s intent to strengthen its position in regulated online markets, with Spajic’s arrival seen as a key step in accelerating that shift.
Lottery performance
Away from the digital push, Allwyn recently reported that its stewardship of the UK National Lottery has delivered its strongest quarterly contribution to good causes since taking charge in 2024.
Between April and June, £485m was channelled into community projects – a 3.7% year-on-year uplift – driven largely by rising EuroMillions sales. The result means Allwyn is on track to hit its ambitious target of £60m a week for good causes across the licence period.
However, the operator’s tenure has not been without challenges. The UKGC has confirmed it is carrying out enforcement action after ruling that Allwyn missed deadlines for delivering agreed system upgrades, despite recent progress on modernisation.
Balancing strong returns with regulatory compliance will therefore be a key test for the business as Spajic takes charge of its new digital arm – though his remit is of course also global, taking into consideration Allwyn’s growing presence in the US and its other European operations.