Allwyn UK appoints Phil Walker interim CEO as Andria Vidler steps down

Allwyn UK has named Phil Walker as interim chief executive officer, with Andria Vidler set to step down after leading the business through its transition to operator of the UK National Lottery.

Mr Walker will take up the role on 7 September 2026 while Allwyn UK searches for a permanent successor. Ms Vidler, who joined the company in October 2023, will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of October to support the handover.

The leadership change comes after Allwyn completed the initial phase of its Fourth National Lottery Licence, which began in February 2024 and runs until 2034. Ms Vidler’s exit was mutually agreed with Allwyn UK chair Justin King, who said the company had reached the “right time” to build on the foundations laid during the transition.

“With the major transition milestones delivered, now is the right time to look to the future and build on the solid foundations that have been laid to create a strong platform for future growth,” Mr King said. “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andria for leading this transformation with drive, focus and commitment.”

Ms Vidler said transforming the National Lottery had been “a marathon, not a sprint”, adding that with the major transition now complete and the lottery in a stronger position to deliver for the nation, “this feels like the right moment for me to pass on the baton”.

Walker brings gaming sector experience

Mr Walker joins Allwyn UK with extensive experience across betting and gaming, including senior roles at William Hill and 888. At William Hill, he served in roles including online managing director and UK managing director, before moving to 888, where he was UK and Ireland managing director and chief commercial officer. He has also worked with Ladbrokes Coral Group and Gala Interactive, and most recently served as a non-executive director at City Gaming.

Allwyn UK said Mr Walker’s appointment would ensure an orderly transition and maintain focus on growth while the company identifies a permanent CEO.

“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,” Mr Walker said. “As a long-standing National Lottery player, I know first-hand the difference it makes to communities across the UK. It will be a real honour to help build on the progress already made.”

Fourth Licence transition complete

Allwyn was first announced as the preferred applicant for the Fourth National Lottery Licence in March 2022, with the licence formally awarded later that year following legal delays. The company took control of the National Lottery from Camelot in February 2024.

Since then, Allwyn UK has pursued a programme of technology and infrastructure upgrades across its retail and digital operations, including updates for around 43,500 retail partners, improvements to the National Lottery website and app, a refreshed Lotto game, the introduction of Powerball to the UK market and expansion of online and scratchcard products.

The operator has also stated its ambition to increase returns to good causes over the course of the ten-year licence. The National Lottery currently generates more than £33 million per week for good cause projects and has raised over £53 billion since its launch in 1994.

The appointment marks the latest senior leadership change within the wider Allwyn group, following recent appointments across its North America, games, retail, brand and digital operations.