Allwyn rings senior changes at Camelot UK following acquisition confirmation
CEO Nigel Railton and chairman Sir Hugh Robertson to depart as transition process ramps up
The UK Gambling Commission has approved Allwyn’s £100m acquisition of Camelot UK from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) as the transition to the fourth National Lottery licence gathers pace.
Allwyn’s acquisition of the incumbent operator will “facilitate a smooth transition”, according to the firm, before Allwyn begins operations in February 2024.
Until that point, Camelot will continue to operate the National Lottery separately from Allwyn but will provide support to the incoming licence holder.
However, Allwyn has made a series of changes to the Camelot senior management team, which will see current CEO Nigel Railton depart after 24 years with the company.
Railton, who has served as CEO since 2017, will be replaced by current Camelot chief financial officer Clare Swindell and commercial director Neil Brocklehurst as co-CEOs.
Additionally, Camelot chairman Sir Hugh Robertson will also step down having held the position since 2018.
It is expected that Sir Keith Mills, who led the bid for the fourth licence for Allwyn, will be appointed chair of Camelot once the transaction closes.
Executive director Matt Ridsdale will also leave the company.
Robert Chvátal, CEO of Allwyn Group and interim CEO of Allwyn UK, said: “Acquiring Camelot will help ensure a smooth transition from the third to the fourth licence, while bringing together the collective expertise and technical know-how of two highly experienced lottery operators.
“I would like to thank Sir Hugh and Nigel for their contributions to the success of The National Lottery. I am delighted to appoint Clare and Neil as co-chief executives, both of whom have enormous experience in the operation of Camelot and The National Lottery,” he added.