Camelot CEO to retire amid Group restructuring
Long-serving Dianne Thompson to stand down in October with Group split into separate UK and global entities
Lottery operator Camelot has announced its long-serving chief executive Diane Thompson (pictured left) is to retire on 31 October as the company prepares to divide itself up into two separate entities.
Over the next six months the Group will split the company into “two clear functions”, with one division set to concentrate on UK growth and the other tasked with focusing on international opportunities.
Andy Duncan (pictured centre), who has been managing director of the UK business since 2011, will become CEO of Camelot UK Lotteries while Nigel Railton (pictured right), the current Group CFO and strategy director, will take on the position of Camelot Global Services CEO.
Both men are set to take up their roles on 31 October and will report in to Lee Sienna, the chairman of the Camelot Group of Companies, which is owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Thompson, Duncan and Railton are set to work closely together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.
Thompson, who has spent 17 with the company with 14 years as CEO, guided the company through a period of sustained growth having won two UK National Lottery licence competitions and securing an extension to the UK licence until 2023.
“In Nigel Railton and Andy Duncan, backed by the continued long-term support of Camelot’s owner, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, I leave the group in very talented, experienced and committed hands,” Thompson said.
“Under their leadership, I know that the business “ soon to be two businesses “ will flourish,” she added.
The company said the split should help company’s growth in international markets.
Last year Camelot secured the 405m contract for the Irish Lotto although it recently missed out on the award of the Pennsylvania lottery contract.
Railton paid tribute to Thompson’s tenure and also underlined the company’s intention to accelerate its international growth strategy.
“Having worked very closely with her for the last 16 years, I am indebted to Dianne for all of her guidance “ especially as we have pressed ahead with our global expansion plans,” Railton said.
“With a number of international consultancy contracts won and some ambitious plans on the horizon, this is a really exciting time for Camelot Global “ and I’m very much looking forward to building on these successes,” he added.