Andria Vidler has officially resigned from her role as CEO of Allwyn UK, with Phil Walker, an industry veteran, stepping in as interim CEO.
This leadership change was announced on Wednesday, with Vidler set to vacate her position on September 7, just under a year after she took on the role in October 2022. During her tenure, she successfully managed Allwyn’s transition as the operator for the UK National Lottery. Both Vidler and Allwyn UK Chair Justin King concurred that this is the appropriate moment for her to depart.
Vidler will continue to assist Allwyn UK in an advisory role until the end of October, facilitating a seamless transition process.
King expressed gratitude for Vidler’s significant contributions to the company, particularly highlighting her role in completing the National Lottery’s long-awaited transformation. He stated, “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.”
Vidler reflected on her tenure by saying, “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.”
According to a source close to the company, Allwyn’s priorities in the UK remain unchanged. The focus will continue on modernizing the National Lottery, enhancing player safety, and supporting good causes.
Taking over as interim CEO, Phil Walker comes with extensive experience, having held senior positions at William Hill for six years, where he served as online managing director and chief commercial officer. His most recent role was as a non-executive director at City Gaming Limited.
Sources indicate that Walker's background positions him well to lead the company as Allwyn UK seeks a permanent successor to Vidler. Walker expressed enthusiasm about continuing the work of his predecessor, emphasizing the National Lottery’s vital role in supporting communities across the UK. “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. 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.”
