Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler Steps Down as Phil Walker Takes Over

Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler is stepping down after almost three years in charge of the company operating the National Lottery. Phil Walker, who is a former William Hill senior executive, will become interim CEO on 7 September. The company is searching for a permanent successor. Vidler will continue advising Allwyn until the end of October. She will continue supporting Walker and chairman Justin King during the leadership transition.

Vidler to leave after National Lottery transformation

Allwyn announced the leadership change on 19 August. The organisation said Vidler and King had agreed that the completion of several major transition milestones made this the appropriate time for her to leave.

Vidler became Allwyn UK CEO on 1 October 2023. She was appointed while the company was preparing to replace Camelot as operator of the National Lottery under the fourth licence.

Allwyn formally took control on 1 February 2024. This was the first change of National Lottery operator since its launch in 1994. The fourth licence runs for ten years and will end on 31 January 2034.

King thanked Vidler for leading the business through what he described as an intense period of change. He said the work had established “solid foundations” from which Allwyn could pursue the next stage of the National Lottery’s development.

Vidler said she was proud of the progress made and the contribution of colleagues throughout the business. She added that the transition had strengthened the National Lottery’s ability to generate money for good causes across the UK.

“Transforming The National Lottery is a marathon, not a sprint.” — Andria Vidler, outgoing Allwyn UK CEO

Technology and retail upgrades completed

Allwyn said Vidler had overseen significant changes to the National Lottery’s infrastructure during her tenure.

The company has completed technology updates across its network of approximately 43,500 retail partners. There have also been major upgrades to the National Lottery website and mobile app.

Allwyn also reported attracting one million new active digital users. Product developments completed during Vidler’s leadership included the relaunch of Lotto, the introduction of new online and scratchcard games and the recent UK launch of Powerball.

Powerball became available to UK National Lottery players in July 2026 after receiving a new game licence from the Gambling Commission. The regulator concluded that the game could increase contributions to good causes while requiring Allwyn to maintain appropriate player-protection controls.

The fourth licence has placed increased emphasis on digital transformation, innovation and returns to good causes. It also introduced an incentive model under which Allwyn’s potential profits are more closely linked to the amount raised for National Lottery-funded projects.

Vidler will remain with the company in an advisory position until the end of October. This will provide additional continuity while Walker takes over the day-to-day leadership of the business.

Phil Walker brings William Hill experience

Walker joins Allwyn following six years in senior roles at William Hill. His positions there included UK and Ireland managing director, online managing director and chief commercial officer.

During that period, he gained experience across digital gambling, retail operations and commercial transformation. Allwyn said William Hill recorded market-share, revenue and profit growth across its online and retail divisions while Walker was leading its UK business.

He most recently served as a non-executive director at City Gaming Limited, an operator of adult gaming centres in the UK.

His appointment is intended to maintain operational stability while Allwyn conducts its search for a permanent CEO. The company has not disclosed how long that recruitment process is expected to take.

Walker said he was proud to be joining an institution that plays an important role in communities throughout the country. As a long-standing National Lottery player himself, he said its contribution to good causes was a significant factor in his decision to accept the position.