Allwyn, the British branch of the Sazka Group, has hired seasoned industry professional David Craven as its new chief executive.
Craven will be aiding Allwyn in its quest for the fourth UK National Lottery permit, collaborating with bid chair Sir Keith Mills.
Before joining Allwyn, Craven spent six years as Managing Director at UK betting group Tote. He also served as CEO of gaming software firm World Gaming.
Craven also co-established digital media company UPC/Chello earlier in his career, and will bring a wealth of broadband and digital content services experience to Allwyn.
“The National Lottery requires it now more than ever,” stated Craven. “In other markets where the Sazka Group operates, they have boosted foot traffic to retail outlets while making a genuine impact on local communities. That’s why the chance to become CEO of Allwyn, and hopefully CEO of the National Lottery, was too good to pass up.
“Throughout my global gambling industry career, I have been focused on how technology can be used to enhance the customer experience, both in stores and online.”
Its not merely about making the game enjoyable and stimulating, but I genuinely believe that technology is the most effective means to safeguard our patrons, stated Mills.
Mills further remarked, “Any organization aiming to expand its customer base must demonstrate a robust strategy to invest in and utilize cutting-edge technology. David’s remarkable background in software, broadband, and gaming provides him with a profound comprehension of this, which will be immensely beneficial in our endeavor to operate the National Lottery.”
Craven’s appointment follows the recruitment of several prominent individuals to Allwyn’s advisory board to bolster their bid for the license.
In addition to Mills, Allwyn welcomed psychologist and professor of behavioral addiction Dr. Mark Griffiths, tech entrepreneur Brent Hoberman, former Universal Entertainment Group CEO Charles Garland, and Twitter UK managing director Dara Nasr to its advisory board last month.
Sazka declared their intention to compete for the National Lottery license last October and faces rivalry from Italian lottery operator Sisal and Indian Sugal & Damani. The current operator, Camelot, has also completed the Gambling Commission’s selection questionnaire but has not disclosed whether they will participate in the bidding process.
As part of this procedure, Sazka announced in April that they would be rebranding their UK operations to the new “Allwyn” name.