Former 888 Executive Named Allwyn UK Interim CEO
Allwyn UK has confirmed that Andria Vidler is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer, with Phil Walker taking over as Interim CEO of the fourth National Lottery licence holder.
The change was announced on August 19 and comes as the company approaches the midpoint of its 10-year licence term.
Former William Hill & 888 Executive Steps In
Walker joins the National Lottery operator from a career spent largely inside UK online casino brands. He spent more than four years in senior executive roles at William Hill and served as Chief Commercial Officer at 888 Holdings, now evoke, between 2023 and 2024, following William Hill's acquisition by the 888 group in 2021.
He is currently a Non-Executive Director at high street slots operator City Gaming and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange.
"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," Walker told SBC News.
"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."
Vidler's Three Years At The Helm
Allwyn UK said Vidler's departure is a mutual decision with the rest of the group's board. She became CEO in October 2023, 13 months after Allwyn was awarded the fourth National Lottery licence by the Gambling Commission following a competitive tender process that ran through 2021 and 2022.
Like Walker, Vidler previously worked at 888 Holdings, having served as a Non-Executive Board Member of the London-listed company from July 2022 until she joined Allwyn in late 2023.
Her tenure included Allwyn's formal takeover of National Lottery management in February 2024, under a contract that runs until 2034. The firm has committed to doubling weekly returns to good causes from £30 million to £60 million by the time that contract concludes.
"It has been a huge privilege to lead Allwyn UK through such an important period for The National Lottery," Vidler said. "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."
Legal Challenges & Modernisation
The company also faced legal challenges during Vidler's time in charge. A dispute with Camelot UK, the sole licence holder since the National Lottery's creation in 1994, was resolved before Vidler became CEO when Allwyn acquired its rival in late 2022.
A separate challenge from media entrepreneur Richard Desmond over the Gambling Commission's licensing decision was finally rejected by the Court of Appeal last month.
Vidler's tenure also oversaw a modernisation of National Lottery retail terminals in partnership with Scientific Games, a condition of Allwyn's licence, and the UK launch of Powerball, the first time the US lottery game has been offered outside its home market.
Allwyn UK Chair Justin King thanked Vidler for "leading this transformation with drive, focus and commitment" and said Walker's task now is to build on "the solid foundations that have been laid to create a strong platform for future growth."
Walker's appointment is described as interim, and Allwyn UK has not set out a timeline for naming a permanent successor.
