Wayne Pickup to Lead The Lottery Corporation in Major CEO Transition
The Lottery Corporation has appointed Wayne Pickup as its new CEO, succeeding Sue van der Merwe who is retiring after 35 years in the industry. Pickup brings 25 years of global lottery experience and will begin in November 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
- Wayne Pickup appointed Managing Director and CEO, starting November 2025
- Pickup succeeds Sue van der Merwe, retiring after 35 years in lotteries
- Pickup brings 25 years of international lottery leadership experience
- Annual fixed remuneration set at $1.55 million plus $500,000 sign-on bonus
- Appointment subject to regulatory approvals; Pickup to act as board observer initially
Leadership Change at The Lottery Corporation
The Lottery Corporation has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Wayne Pickup as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Pickup is set to join the company on 24 November 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and will succeed Sue van der Merwe, who is retiring after a distinguished 35-year career in the lottery industry, including three years at the helm of The Lottery Corporation.
A Leader with Global Lottery Expertise
Pickup brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent 25 years in senior positions across international lottery markets. His recent tenure as CEO of Allwyn’s North American operations and prior leadership of Lotto New Zealand highlight a career deeply embedded in the lottery sector. His background spans technology, product management, and game management, positioning him well to navigate the evolving Australian lottery landscape.
Terms and Transition
The appointment comes with a fixed annual remuneration of $1.55 million, complemented by a $500,000 sign-on bonus designed to offset forfeited incentives from his previous role. Pickup will also be eligible for both short-term and long-term incentive plans, aligning his performance with company goals. Until regulatory approvals are secured, he will serve as an observer to the Board, while the existing executive team continues daily operations under board oversight. The transition plan includes close collaboration between Pickup and van der Merwe to ensure continuity.
Industry and Market Implications
The Lottery Corporation’s chairman, Dr Doug McTaggart, praised Pickup’s appointment as a high-calibre choice at a pivotal time for the company. Pickup himself expressed enthusiasm about the potential for innovation and growth in the Australian lottery market. This leadership change signals a commitment to sustaining The Lottery Corporation’s position as a leading operator in the sector while exploring new opportunities to enhance shareholder value and customer experience.
Bottom Line?
As Wayne Pickup steps in, all eyes will be on how his global expertise shapes The Lottery Corporation’s next chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Pickup’s international experience influence The Lottery Corporation’s strategic direction?
- What innovations or growth initiatives might Pickup prioritize in the Australian lottery market?
- Could regulatory approval delays impact the leadership transition or company performance?
