Allwyn UK names new CEO

Allwyn has appointed former BBC and EMI head Andria Vidler as its new UK CEO.

The lottery giant confirmed Vidler would join the company from 1 October, with current interim UK CEO Robert Chvátal returning to focus on his role as group CEO.

Chvátal has been in place as interim CEO since January after replacing David Craven who departed the firm after 18 months at the helm.

Vidler will join Allwyn UK from Tag Worldwide where she has served as CEO since January 2020.

The former BBC business development director also held CEO roles at EMI Records, between August 2009 and July 2013, and Centaur Media, between November 2013 and October 2019.

In addition, Vidler served as a non-executive board member at Gamesys Group between June 2018 and November 2021.

She currently serves as a non-executive board member at 888, a position she will relinquish in joining Allwyn UK.

Speaking on her appointment, Vidler said: “This is such an exciting opportunity to ensure The National Lottery, a hugely loved UK brand that delivers immense benefits to society, is in the best shape possible for the future.

“I can’t wait to get to work alongside partners and colleagues from across our Allwyn and Camelot teams to make this vision a reality.”

Chvátal added: “Andria’s experience of developing and managing compelling brands, content and campaigns that connect with audiences in a fast-changing digital environment made her the ideal choice for our new CEO.

“In her new role, she will not only be able to draw on the great talent we have in the UK but also all the advantages of the powerful Allwyn Group platform,”.

Allwyn is set to take over the licence to operate the UK National Lottery from February 2024, replacing incumbent operator Camelot, which has held the licence since 1994.

Allwyn acquired Camelot for a reported £100m last year to help facilitate the transition. Allwyn also acquired Camelot Lottery Services, the US-facing arm of the business.