Incoming National Lottery operator hires Andria Vidler to head its British operations

The UK’s incoming National Lottery operator has hired renowned media executive Andria Vidler to head its British operations as it prepares to take over the licence next February.

Vidler, the former boss of music label EMI in the UK and Ireland and a board director at William Hill owner 888, will take over in the post on October 1.

She succeeds Allwyn group chief executive Robert Chvatal, who has been acting in the role on an interim basis.

Allwyn beat Camelot last year, winning a five-year licence to run the National Lottery.

The Czech company also runs lotteries in Austria, Italy and Greece.

Allwyn acquired Camelot UK earlier this year, closing a bitter legal wrangle between the firms after the Gambling Commission awarded Allwyn the licence, although the two companies are continuing to operate separately.