Allwyn UK has confirmed that Andria Vidler is stepping down as chief executive, with Phil Walker appointed to lead the organisation on an interim basis from 7 September.
Walker brings extensive industry experience to the role, having previously served as chief commercial officer at 888 and also held the position of UK and Ireland managing director there.
Before his time at 888, Walker spent four years at William Hill, where his roles included UK managing director and online managing director, giving him a strong operational background.
He has spent the past two years working as a consultant after stepping away from full-time employment in the industry, making this appointment a significant return to the sector.
“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 said.
He added that as a long-standing National Lottery player himself, he understands directly the difference the lottery makes to communities across the United Kingdom.
“It will be a real honour to help build on the progress already made,” Walker said, underlining his commitment to continuing the work Vidler began during her tenure.
Vidler’s departure was mutually agreed with Allwyn UK chairman Justin King, with the organisation stating this is simply “the right moment for her to step down.”
She joined Allwyn UK in October 2023, shortly after the business was formally awarded the Fourth National Lottery licence, and oversaw one of the most transformative periods in the lottery’s history since its 1994 launch.
Major developments during her leadership included significant technology and infrastructure upgrades for the lottery’s 43,500 retail partners, alongside large-scale improvements to both the website and app.
Allwyn UK also launched an updated version of the Lotto game and introduced Powerball to the UK market during this period of considerable operational change.
Vidler said: “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.”
King praised her leadership, saying she “led from the front through an intense period of change” and helped complete the “much-needed and long-overdue transformation of The National Lottery.”
King confirmed that Walker’s interim appointment is designed to “ensure an orderly transition and continued focus on growth” while a search for a permanent CEO gets underway.
No timeline has been set for naming a permanent successor, though Vidler will remain available in an advisory capacity through to the end of October to support the handover process.
Walker’s broader industry background also includes senior roles at Ladbrokes Coral Group and almost five years at Gala Interactive prior to that company’s merger with Ladbrokes.
The leadership change forms part of a broader wave of senior appointments across the Allwyn group, which has been actively reshaping its management structure over recent months.
In June, Allwyn AG appointed Khalid Reede Jones, formerly executive director of the Virginia Lottery, as CEO of Allwyn North America, signalling continued global ambition.
Other recent additions include Katie Harbron as director of games at Allwyn UK, Bridget Lea as managing director for retail on a global basis, and Tatiana Jouanneau as group chief brand officer.
Allwyn also appointed former Betfred US chief executive Kresimir Spajic as CEO of its digital division in August 2025, reflecting the group’s ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership at every level.
