Allwyn UK, the operator of the National Lottery, has announced that Andria Vidler is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer after two-and-a-half years in the role.
Vidler’s departure follows a tenure defined by significant milestones, including Allwyn’s formal assumption of National Lottery management in February 2024 under the fourth 10-year licence.
Phil Walker has been appointed Interim CEO of Allwyn Entertainment Limited with effect from 7 September 2026, succeeding Vidler in the top position.
Walker brings extensive iGaming and betting industry experience to the role, having held senior executive positions at some of the UK’s most recognisable gambling brands.
He served in senior roles at William Hill for over four years and was Chief Commercial Officer at 888 Holdings, now known as evoke, between 2023 and 2024.
Walker is currently a Non-Executive Director of City Gaming, a high street slots operator in the UK, and is a former 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 remarked.
Walker has been tasked with maintaining the momentum Allwyn gained under Vidler’s leadership while steering the business into its next phase of growth as National Lottery operator.
During Vidler’s time as CEO, Allwyn completed major technology and infrastructure updates for the National Lottery’s 43,500 retail partners, as well as a significant upgrade to its website and app.
The firm also welcomed one million new active digital users, relaunched New Lotto, introduced Powerball to the UK, and launched new online and scratchcard games during that period.
Allwyn UK Chairman Justin King and Vidler agreed that the completion of these fourth licence transition milestones made this the right moment for her to step down from the position.
Vidler, who became CEO of Allwyn UK in October 2023, is also a former 888 Holdings employee, having served as a Non-Executive Board Member at the LSE company from July 2022.
She will remain in an advisory capacity during a transition period to support Walker and Chairman Justin King through to the end of October.
Walker’s appointment is intended to ensure an orderly transition and continued focus on growth while a search for a permanent successor gets underway.
Allwyn UK holds the National Lottery contract until 2034 and has set itself the ambitious goal of doubling weekly returns to good causes from £30 million to £60 million by the time the licence concludes.
