Allwyn has named Harbron as its new director of games, with the operator looking to improve the National Lottery’s game selection in the UK.
Harbron will prioritize leading the development of new game concepts designed to match changing player tastes. Richard Dawkins, Allwyn’s digital managing director, emphasized that Harbron’s skills in product, content, and commercial development are vital resources for meeting the company’s objectives.
Harbron formerly worked as chief product officer for online casino operator MrQ and has occupied senior product and commercial positions at major operators such as Flutter, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Tombola. She will head the National Lottery’s games team in her new position.
Calling her new position “an incredibly exciting opportunity,” Harbron voiced appreciation for the National Lottery’s historical and cultural importance in the UK. “I have always admired the National Lottery and the unique position it holds in the UK; so the opportunity to play a part in innovating the games is incredibly exciting.”
“I’m truly enthusiastic about the influence I know Harbron and her team will create as we continue to advance our games to satisfy the changing demands of our players and to guarantee we responsibly raise more funds for good causes,” Dawkins commented on the appointment.
Allwyn’s Investment in the National Lottery
Allwyn obtained the contract to run the National Lottery in 2022 and formally assumed control from Camelot in 2024.
Harbron’s appointment demonstrates the growing overlap between conventional lottery formats like draw-based games and scratchcards, and newer, digital-focused products such as interactive instant-win games and mobile options.
The hiring also occurs as Allwyn keeps investing in updating the National Lottery’s digital infrastructure. Earlier this year, the operator performed a significant upgrade to the lottery’s website and mobile platforms, transferring roughly 11.8 million player accounts to a new account management system while launching enhanced player protection features and a wider digital game selection.
Sector veteran Kresimir Spajic was appointed as Allwyn’s digital CEO in August last year to oversee the operator’s worldwide digital growth and assist with integrating acquisitions such as PrizePicks in the US and OPAP in Europe.
The company also created a senior retail position in January to supervise growth, innovation, and implementation, and to advocate for the importance of lottery retailers within local communities.