Sisal names Karren Brady to lead National Lottery advisory board

Baroness Karren Brady will lead a board that will advise Sisal on its bid for the next UK National Lottery licence.

UK.- Sisal emerged as a surprise latecomer to the contest to run Britain’s National Lottery from 2024. It’s now announced the creation of a UK Advisory Board for its bid, led by Baroness Karren Brady (CBE). 

The Conservative Party life-peer is an advisor to the government on its small business strategy. The rest of the board will comprise prominent figures from business and CSR, the company said. Its bid team will also count on the support of social mobility and welfare advocate Lord Victor Adebowale (CBE), who is chair of the NHS Confederation.

Other members include the former ASDA chairman Andy Clarke and private equity executive Gary Hughes. Advertising executive MT Rainey (OBE) and Tory peer and former culture minister Lord Ed Vaizey will lead market strategy and stakeholder guidance.

Sisal is up against Sazka Group’s Allwyn, Northern & Shell and the incumbent Camelot Group. The British regulator, the Gambling Commission, is due to announce the winner of the National Lottery tender in February 2022 having postponed its decision. Camelot’s current licence has been extended until February 2024.

Baroness Brady said: “I am delighted to be working with Sisal on its application for the Fourth National Lottery Licence.

“Our Lottery is a treasured institution that generates substantial funds for good causes across the UK. Sisal’s proven track record of managing and growing lotteries in Italy, Turkey and Morocco makes them a strong contender and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Advisory Board as the application progresses.”

Sisal CEO Francesco Durante said: “Each member brings unrivalled experience across key areas of industry and society that are central to our strategy and will help us to deliver the best possible solution for The National Lottery.

“We’ve invested the time to secure the right team and ensured each of their values align with our vision for the future of The National Lottery. Together with our partners, the Advisory Board will add valuable insight and strategic counsel as we approach the final stage of the application.”

Meanwhile, Sisal has filed for an IPO in Italy. It intends to launch on Borsa Italiana’s Mercato Telematico Azionario (MTA).