Allwyn UK CEO steps down as industry veteran Phil Walker takes over as interim

Andria Vidler has stepped down as CEO of Allwyn UK, with industry veteran Phil Walker set to take over on an interim basis.

Announced on Wednesday, Vidler will leave her position on 7 September, having served as Allwyn’s UK CEO since taking over in October 2023.

Vidler oversaw Allwyn’s transition to becoming the operator of the UK National Lottery, but she and Allwyn UK Chair Justin King have agreed that now is “the right moment for her to step down”.

Vidler will remain with Allwyn UK in an advisory capacity until the end of October to ensure a smooth transition period.

King thanked Vidler for her contributions during her time with Allwyn UK, specifically for 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,” King stated.

Vidler added: “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.”

A source close to the company told iGB that Allwyn’s UK priorities remain unchanged, with the business set on modernising the National Lottery, driving player safety and supporting good causes.

Experienced Walker to take on interim CEO role

Vidler’s interim replacement Phil Walker previously spent six years in senior positions at William Hill, serving in a variety of senior roles including online managing director and CCO.

Walker was most recently a non-executive director at City Gaming Limited.

Sources close to the company said Walker’s experience make him well placed to oversee the business while Allwyn UK searches for a permanent replacement for Vidler.

Walker said he was looking forward to building on the progress made by his predecessor and continuing the National Lottery’s contribution to communities.

“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 declared.

“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. It will be a real honour to help build on the progress already made.”