Allwyn UK sees three senior executives leave

Allwyn UK has made sweeping changes to the leadership team of the National Lottery. The company said the move aims to support stronger growth and a greater contribution to good causes.

Chief technology officer Mark Smith, digital director Richard Dawkins and chief strategy and transformation officer Sarah Venning are leaving the company. The roles of all three executives are also being removed. Smith's technology leadership will be more directly integrated into the digital, retail and security departments. Venning's strategy and transformation responsibilities will be transferred to the CEO's remit.

Following the departure of CEO Andria Vidler, announced in August, Phil Walker is serving as interim CEO. Walker has been in the role since September and will also temporarily take on additional responsibilities. Current chief impact officer Alastair Ruxton is moving to the position of social impact director, reporting directly to the CEO. The chief marketing officer and chief digital officer positions have not yet been filled. According to reports, former PayPal chief marketing officer Stephen Taylor will temporarily take on the chief marketing officer role.

The reason for Vidler's departure has not been disclosed. In the company's statement at the time, it only said that Vidler and chairman Justin King had agreed that "this is the right moment for her to step down." Walker, meanwhile, thanked the departing executives and their teams, saying that changes of this scale affect those who helped bring the company to where it is today.