Andira Vidler, Chief Executive Officer of National Lottery operator Allwyn UK, is stepping down from the position.
The executive has filled the leadership role at the company since October 2023. Her three year tenure saw Allwyn become operator of the National Lottery in February 2024.
This path was set prior to Vidler’s leadership, with Allwyn having won the 2022 National Lottery licence contest conducted by the Gambling Commission.
Since taking on leadership of the lottery, Vidler has overseen the opening phases of Allwyn’s management of the lottery, including a modernisation of its retail technology and the launch of Powerball UK – the first time the high jackpot product has been deployed outside the US.
Lottery Daily understands Vidler’s departure was a mutual decision with the rest of Allwyn’s board following the completion of much of the firm’s transformation ambitions for the National Lottery in 2025-2026.
“It has been a huge privilege to lead Allwyn UK through such an important period for The National Lottery,” Vidler said.
“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.”
Allwyn’s new lead for next transformation phase
Allwyn UK has set itself the ambitious goal of doubling returns to good causes from £30m a week to £60m a week by the time its 10 year licence comes to a close in 2034.
It will then contest another Gambling Commission tender for the next licence, and returns to good causes will be a defining part of the competitive process.
Taking over leadership from Vidler is Phil Walker. An experienced figure in iGaming and currently a Non-Executive Director at high street slots firm City Gaming, Walker will become interim CEO.
His background in betting and gaming includes extensive experience of the UK. He was a senior executive at William Hill, one of the oldest betting firms in the country and a staple of the British high street, for over four years.
He later became Chief Commercial Officer at 888 Holdings following that firm’s acquisition of William Hill in 2021. Walker held the CCO role at the LSE-listed firm from 2023-2024, with the company rebranding as evoke in late 2024.
“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,” Walker said.
“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.”