Allwyn UK has confirmed that Andria Vidler will step down as Chief Executive Officer, with Phil Walker appointed Interim CEO from 7 September 2026.
The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter for the National Lottery operator. Vidler has overseen the transition to the Fourth National Lottery Licence since Allwyn was formally awarded the contract in 2023, guiding one of the most extensive operational overhauls in the Lottery’s history.
Walker will lead the business while Allwyn searches for a permanent Chief Executive. Vidler will remain in an advisory role until the end of October to support the handover.
Major Changes Under the Fourth Licence
During Vidler’s tenure, Allwyn completed a nationwide technology upgrade across more than 43,500 National Lottery retailers. The operator also modernised the National Lottery website and mobile app as part of its Fourth Licence programme.
The changes extended beyond technology. The National Lottery attracted one million new active digital players, relaunched Lotto, introduced Powerball to the UK, and expanded its online instant-win and scratchcard portfolio.
With those transition milestones now complete, Allwyn believes the business is ready to shift its focus from implementation to long-term growth.
Commenting on the leadership change, Allwyn UK Chairman Justin King said:
“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.”
King also praised Vidler’s leadership during what he described as an “intense period of change”, thanking her for steering the business through the National Lottery’s transformation.
Former William Hill executive appointed as Allwyn UK Interim CEO
Walker’s appointment follows the completion of the Fourth Licence transition. His background in digital and commercial transformation suggests Allwyn is maintaining its focus on modernising the National Lottery rather than changing direction.
Walker said:
“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. 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.”
Andria Vidler, outgoing CEO of Allwyn Entertainment Limited (Allwyn UK), said:
“It has been a huge privilege to lead Allwyn UK through such an important period for The National Lottery. 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.
“But transforming The National Lottery is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the major transition now complete and the National Lottery in a stronger position to keep delivering for the nation, this feels like the right moment for me to pass on the baton. I wish Justin, Phil and everyone at Allwyn the very best for the future — and look forward to becoming a player again myself.”
A New Era for the National Lottery
Allwyn has spent the past two years reshaping the National Lottery. Since taking over the licence in February 2024, the operator has invested £450 million in what it describes as the biggest technology and infrastructure upgrade since the Lottery launched in 1994. That investment extended far beyond the replacement of retail terminals. It also included a new gaming platform, a redesigned website and mobile app, and upgrades across more than 43,500 National Lottery retailers.
The investment has already begun to produce results. More than one million new active digital players joined the National Lottery during 2025. Digital sales exceeded £4.1 billion, accounting for more than half of total ticket sales for the first time. Overall sales reached £8.1 billion, generating more than £1.7 billion for National Lottery-funded projects.
Those achievements so far provide important context to Walker’s appointment. The large-scale operational work has largely been completed. His role now is to build on those foundations as Allwyn enters the next phase of the Fourth Licence.