Allwyn adds ex-BT AI chief and Google exec to board
UK National Lottery operator names Adrian Joseph as latest non-executive director following additions of Lord Seb Coe and Simon Burke in January
Allwyn has appointed Adrian Joseph as an independent non-executive director effective from 1 June.
Joseph brings decades of data, technology and AI-focused experience to the role having worked for several leading technology companies, most recently as BT’s chief data and AI officer where he guided a team of 1,600 staff.
He originally joined BT in February 2020 as MD for group AI and data solution before stepping up to his C-level role in July 2021. He left the company in February.
Alongside his status as an independent non-executive director for Allwyn, Joseph will continue to operate in a similar role for Direct Line Group.
He also sits on the technology advisory board of NatWest Group and is an advisory board member at Business in the Community.
Before his time at BT, Joseph spent just shy of three years as an expert member of the UK AI Council from December 2020 to July 2022.
In 2015, he was appointed by then prime minister Theresa May to support the Home Office in developing its data, AI, digital and diversity strategies for four years as a non-executive director for the UK Civil Service.
Alongside his time guiding the government, Joseph spent three years at EY, during which time he was partner and head of data and analytics between February 2017 and September 2018. He was then named head of AI before departing in February 2020.
Joseph worked his way up the ranks at Google from 2006 to 2016, arriving as director of automotive and leaving a decade later as director of enterprise analytics services.
Reflecting on Joseph’s appointment, Allwyn chair Justin King cited the former BT chief’s “distinctive skillset” as a factor behind his addition to the board.
King said: “With his proven track record across digital, data and AI – paired with his trailblazing work in the areas of diversity and inclusion – I am delighted to welcome Adrian to the Allwyn board.
“Adrian’s distinctive skillset and experience will be invaluable as we work to fulfil our ambition to provide a player experience and games portfolio that is fit for the digital era, while at the same time creating a truly accessible, inclusive National Lottery.”
Joseph added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Allwyn at such an exciting time for the organisation.
“With an average of £30m raised each week for people and projects across the UK, The National Lottery is truly a force for good. I look forward to working with Justin and the board to bring this to life, while continually raising the bar on innovation, equality and diversity.”
Joseph’s appointment comes after Allwyn announced multiple changes to its board in January.
That reshuffle saw Lord Sebastian Coe named as Sir Keith Mills’ successor as senior independent non-executive director, while Simon Burke will take on the role of independent non-executive director as well as chair of the audit committee.
On the frontline, former EMI UK boss Andria Vidler was appointed UK CEO in July 2023 and began her tenure three months later.
Allwyn was formally awarded the fourth National Lottery licence in September 2022, before assuming the role of active licence holder in February, marking the end of Camelot’s two-decade reign as operator since 1994.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.