Australia’s Lottery Corporation names Allwyn NA head as new CEO
28 July 2025 | By Robert Fletcher
Summary
Australia-based Lottery Corporation has appointed Wayne Pickup, currently chief executive of Allwyn North America, as its new managing director and CEO. Pickup will join the omnichannel lottery operator on 24 November 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Pickup has led Allwyn North America since March 2018, including during its rebrand from Camelot Illinois after Allwyn’s acquisition in January 2023. He previously served as CEO of Lotto New Zealand (March 2012–December 2017) and held roles at GTECH Interactive, IGT and Ace Interactive.
He succeeds Sue van der Merwe, who announced her retirement in March and will remain in post to support the transition. Lottery Corporation chairman Doug McTaggart praised van der Merwe’s long career and welcomed Pickup’s breadth of lottery and product experience.
Context and relevance
The appointment comes three years after the Lottery Corporation was formed following Tabcorp’s demerger in June 2022. Pickup’s international lottery experience signals continuity and a focus on product, technology and growth as the business seeks to deliver value to shareholders and modernise the customer experience.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/people-moves/lottery-corporation-pickup-new-ceo/
Key Points
- • Wayne Pickup, CEO of Allwyn North America since 2018, has been named CEO and managing director of Lottery Corporation.
- • Pickup will start on 24 November 2025; the appointment is subject to regulatory approvals in Australia.
- • He brings prior leadership experience at Lotto New Zealand and roles with GTECH Interactive, IGT and Ace Interactive.
- • Sue van der Merwe is retiring after more than three years leading the Lottery Corporation but will remain to help with the handover.
- • The Lottery Corporation was created after Tabcorp spun off its lotteries and keno business in 2022; the hire underscores a focus on innovation and shareholder value.
Why should I read this?
Short version: new CEO, familiar face to lotteries, and a clear sign the business intends to push product and technology as it grows. If you track senior moves in gaming or follow the Australian lotteries market, this saves you the time — here’s the who, when and why in one quick read.
Author note
Punchy: Pickup is a seasoned lotteries executive and his arrival marks a tidy leadership handover at a pivotal moment for the company. Worth keeping an eye on how quickly he pushes any tech or product changes.