The chief executive of Allwyn UK, the company operating the National Lottery, is stepping down after leading what the firm termed a “long-overdue transformation” during her nearly three-year tenure.
Andria Vidler will depart the role next month following an agreement reached with UK chairman Justin King.
Former William Hill executive Phil Walker will replace her on an interim basis from 7 September.
Explaining her departure, Ms Vidler said it was the “right moment” to pass the leadership to a new boss to drive growth, following the completion of a major technology upgrade for the lottery.
She took charge of Allwyn’s UK operations in October 2023, ahead of the company officially taking over the licence from Camelot in early 2024.
The start of her term was affected by legal disputes over the Gambling Commission’s awarding of the 10-year contract, which delayed the migration to a new technology provider through factors deemed outside Allwyn’s control.
These delays postponed planned new draw-based games and impacted the initial funds raised for good causes under the new licence.
This year, Allywn completed the lengthy £450 million major tech upgrade to the lottery, which involved moving 18 million player records and more than three billion historical transactions from old platforms to new ones, updating the lottery website and mobile apps, as well as transforming the technology used by retail partners.
It also paved the way for the group to unveil the biggest overhaul to its draw-based Lotto game since its launch in 1994 and the first new draw-based game in the National Lottery’s history this summer, with the launch of the UK-specific version of the world’s biggest jackpot game, Powerball.
The company said Mr Walker’s appointment will help drive forward a new phase of growth for the business while it searches for a permanent successor.
Mr Walker spent six years at William Hill in roles including its chief commercial officer and managing director for the UK and Ireland.
Ms Vidler 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.
“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.”
Chairman Mr King said: “Since Andria joined us, she has led from the front through an intense period of change, helping to complete the much-needed and long-overdue transformation of the National Lottery.
“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.
“We are pleased to welcome Phil as interim CEO as we continue to modernise and strengthen the National Lottery for players, retailers and good causes.”