Lottery operator Camelot announces CEO retirement and major restructuring
Camelot, the group that operates the National Lottery, has announced this morning that chief executive (CEO) Dianne Thompson is retiring after 14 years in the job.
The company has also unveiled restructuring plans which’ll see it split into two separate entities over the next six months – a move designed, it says, to maximise growth potential.
Andy Duncan, who’s been managing director of the UK business since 2011, will become chief executive of Camelot UK Lotteries, and Nigel Railton, currently group chief financial officer and strategy director, will take up the role of chief executive of Camelot Global Services.
Thompson, who’s been with the firm 17 years, headed fights for two licence competitions, bagged a four-year extension to the current licence to 2023 and raised billions of pounds for National Lottery Good Causes.
Chairman Lee Sienna has called Thompson’s contribution “immense”. Under her leadership, long-term sales increased 35 per cent, and over £21bn was raised for Good Causes.
Thompson is the non-executive chairman of RadioCentre, the industry body for commercial radio and chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University. She’ll remain available to Camelot in a consultative capacity, and will spend her time pursuing other business and charitable interests. She’s just bought The George Hotel in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, where she will be based, working with Michelin-starred chef Robert Thompson to transform the 17th century, waterside building.
Speaking on the future of Camelot, Duncan said it’s working harder than ever to become a world-leading multi-channel lottery operator.
We already lead the world in digital lottery innovation and this will become even more of a key focus in the years ahead. I am very excited at the prospect of leading such a talented team as we continue to deliver on The National Lottery’s promise to be truly life-changing for both winners and society.
Duncan and Railton will take up their positions on 31 October of this year, reporting to Sienna.