Australia’s Lottery Corporation names Allwyn NA head as new CEO

Summary

Australia-based Lottery Corporation has appointed Wayne Pickup, currently CEO of Allwyn North America, as its new managing director and CEO. Pickup is due to start on 24 November 2025, subject to regulatory approvals in Australia. He has led Allwyn North America since March 2018 (including the rebrand from Camelot Illinois) and previously served as CEO of Lotto New Zealand and held roles at GTECH Interactive, IGT and Ace Interactive.

Pickup replaces Sue van der Merwe, who announced her retirement in March and will remain in post until Pickup joins to ensure a smooth handover. Lottery Corporation chairman Doug McTaggart praised van der Merwe’s nearly 35-year career and described Pickup as a high-calibre appointment bringing experience across technology, product and game management.

The appointment comes three years after the Lottery Corporation was spun out from Tabcorp in June 2022 following Tabcorp’s decision to separate its lotteries and wagering businesses.

Source

Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/people-moves/lottery-corporation-pickup-new-ceo/

Key Points

• Wayne Pickup, CEO of Allwyn North America since March 2018, has been appointed managing director and CEO of Australia’s Lottery Corporation.
• Pickup will join the Lottery Corporation on 24 November 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
• He previously led Lotto New Zealand (2012–2017) and has held senior roles at GTECH Interactive, IGT and Ace Interactive.
• Sue van der Merwe will retire after leading the company for more than three years and will remain until Pickup’s start date to aid transition.
• Chairman Doug McTaggart highlighted Pickup’s diverse experience in technology, product and game management as valuable for the business’ next phase.
• The Lottery Corporation was formed from Tabcorp’s demerger in June 2022, creating a standalone lotteries and keno operator.

Why should I read this?

Want the nutshell version? Here it is: the Lottery Corporation has a new boss with serious international lottery creds. If you follow industry leadership moves, partnerships or strategic direction in lotteries and gaming, Pickup’s arrival — and the timing after the Tabcorp split — could signal fresh product, tech and growth priorities. We read it so you don’t have to.