Allwyn snaps up former Bally’s exec as new chief technology officer
Swiss-headquartered operator welcomes aboard Ifor Evans to replace Tony Khatskevich, who transitions to an advisory role
Allwyn has appointed former Bally’s exec Ifor Evans as the lottery giant’s new chief technology officer (CTO).
Evans joins the operator after serving as Bally’s CTO since the Rhode Island-based firm acquired Gamesys in a £2bn deal completed in October 2021.
He originally arrived at Gamesys as CTO in March 2019 and held onto his C-suite role following the acquisition.
The exec, who had a 12-month stint with Betfair as head of development in the early 2010s, also counts C-suite experience with Alibaba and PropertyGuru Singapore.
Evans will officially join the UK National Lottery operator on 1 June to replace the outgoing Tony Khatskevich.
Khatskevich, who has served as Allwyn’s CTO for the past six years, is set to transition to become an adviser to the board.
In this role, Khatskevich will offer “strategic counsel on innovation, technology, IT and security matters”, according to Allwyn.
Khatskevich joined Allwyn in September 2018 after almost six years with Playtech and played a key role in the transition of the fourth UK National Lottery licence from Camelot to Allwyn.
Evans said he was “delighted” to be joining the pan-European operator as he moves into the lottery sector.
He added: “The company’s commitment to social impact is evident across its global footprint. I look forward to helping the team to develop even better lotteries and new game formats through the power of cutting-edge technology and future thinking.”
Speaking on Evans’ arrival, Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal said: “Ifor is a dynamic business leader who has an excellent track record of delivering technology solutions across the gaming and IT sector.
“He has exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness and strong experience in our markets.”
Chvátal also praised Khatskevich for his efforts. He added: “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Tony for his exceptional contribution and commitment to Allwyn over the past six years.
“I’m very pleased that we will continue to benefit from Tony’s wisdom, knowledge, ideas and warm personality in his new role, where he will continue to help us to fulfil our business growth and ambitions.”
Earlier this week, Allwyn said it expects “substantially lower profitability” for the UK National Lottery in Q1 when the financial results are confirmed in June.
Allwyn generated revenue of €7.9bn in 2023 and operates lotteries in Austria, Czechia, Greece and Cyprus, Italy and the UK.