Wayne Pickup

MD & CEO The Lottery Corporation Australia Pickup began his career in the late 1990s in New Zealand with Carter Holt Harvey, a major manufacturing company, where he completed a graduate programme before progressing into supervisory and logistics roles. These early years helped him develop a strong foundation in operational management before he transitioned into the technology and telecommunications sector in the early 2000s – working in support and product roles with Emerson Network Power and ACE Interactive in Stockholm.  His time at ACE Interactive, a company with ties to the gaming industry, saw Pickup begin focusing on product development and project management, giving him direct exposure to the intersection of gaming technology and operational delivery. This experience proved pivotal when he returned to New Zealand in 2003 to join Lotto New Zealand – marking the start of a long-term commitment to the lottery industry.  At Lotto New Zealand, Pickup progressed quickly through senior roles, including Head of Distribution and Innovation, IT Projects Director and eventually Chief Information Officer. Throughout these roles he played an important part in modernising the organisation’s technology infrastructure and product channels, establishing his reputation as a hands-on leader capable of bridging the gap between technical strategy and customer-facing delivery.  Next, Pickup moved into the supplier side of the industry in 2008, taking on the role of General Manager for Sales and Operations in Australasia at IGT. Based in Sydney, he oversaw commercial activity and operational execution across the region. In 2010, he relocated to Sweden to join GTech Interactive (a predecessor of IGT) as Head of Government Markets, where he worked closely with lottery regulators and government clients.  In 2012, Pickup returned to New Zealand to become Chief Executive of Lotto New Zealand – a role he held for nearly six years. During this period, he led the organisation through a time of innovation and restructuring, helping to reinforce Lotto New Zealand’s position as a central fixture in the country’s gaming and fundraising ecosystem.  In 2018, Pickup was appointed CEO of Camelot Illinois, which later became Allwyn North America following a global rebrand and acquisition activity by the Allwyn Group. Over a seven-year period based in Chicago, Pickup helped establish and grow Allwyn’s presence in the US lottery market. He guided the transition from Camelot to Allwyn branding and was closely involved in broader North American strategy, including the integration of acquired assets and new business development.  Ultimately, in July 2025, Allwyn announced that Pickup would be stepping down as CEO, with his final day scheduled for 14 November. The move coincided with his appointment as incoming Managing Director and CEO at The Lottery Corporation, Australia’s largest lottery operator. Based in Brisbane, Pickup will formally begin the role on 24 November, following regulatory approvals. Until then, he will act as an observer to the Board while the outgoing CEO, Sue van der Merwe, completes her handover.  Chairman of The Lottery Corporation Dr Doug McTaggart commented on Pickup’s appointment, stating: “Wayne is a proven leader with a strong track record and a deep understanding of lotteries developed over many years in the industry. Having held senior leadership roles in technology, product management and game management, Wayne brings a diverse skill set and understanding of high-performing lotteries businesses. He is a high-calibre appointment who takes over from Sue at an exciting time for The Lottery Corporation, its shareholders and its customers.”  Pickup also described the appointment as an exciting opportunity to return to Australasia and contribute to the company, stating: Pickup began his career in the late 1990s in New Zealand with Carter Holt Harvey, a major manufacturing company, where he completed a graduate programme before progressing into supervisory and logistics roles. These early years helped him develop a strong foundation in operational management before he transitioned into the technology and telecommunications sector in the early 2000s – working in support and product roles with Emerson Network Power and ACE Interactive in Stockholm. His time at ACE Interactive, a company with ties to the gaming industry, saw Pickup begin focusing on product development and project management, giving him direct exposure to the intersection of gaming technology and operational delivery. This experience proved pivotal when he returned to New Zealand in 2003 to join Lotto New Zealand – marking the start of a long-term commitment to the lottery industry. At Lotto New Zealand, Pickup progressed quickly through senior roles, including Head of Distribution and Innovation, IT Projects Director and eventually Chief Information Officer. Throughout these roles he played an important part in modernising the organisation’s technology infrastructure and product channels, establishing his reputation as a hands-on leader capable of bridging the gap between technical strategy and customer-facing delivery. Next, Pickup moved into the supplier side of the industry in 2008, taking on the role of General Manager for Sales and Operations in Australasia at IGT. Based in Sydney, he oversaw commercial activity and operational execution across the region. In 2010, he relocated to Sweden to join GTech Interactive (a predecessor of IGT) as Head of Government Markets, where he worked closely with lottery regulators and government clients. In 2012, Pickup returned to New Zealand to become Chief Executive of Lotto New Zealand – a role he held for nearly six years. During this period, he led the organisation through a time of innovation and restructuring, helping to reinforce Lotto New Zealand’s position as a central fixture in the country’s gaming and fundraising ecosystem. In 2018, Pickup was appointed CEO of Camelot Illinois, which later became Allwyn North America following a global rebrand and acquisition activity by the Allwyn Group. Over a seven-year period based in Chicago, Pickup helped establish and grow Allwyn’s presence in the US lottery market. He guided the transition from Camelot to Allwyn branding and was closely involved in broader North American strategy, including the integration of acquired assets and new business development. Ultimately, in July 2025, Allwyn announced that Pickup would be stepping down as CEO, with his final day scheduled for 14 November. The move coincided with his appointment as incoming Managing Director and CEO at The Lottery Corporation, Australia’s largest lottery operator. Based in Brisbane, Pickup will formally begin the role on 24 November, following regulatory approvals. Until then, he will act as an observer to the Board while the outgoing CEO, Sue van der Merwe, completes her handover. Chairman of The Lottery Corporation Dr Doug McTaggart commented on Pickup’s appointment, stating: “Wayne is a proven leader with a strong track record and a deep understanding of lotteries developed over many years in the industry. Having held senior leadership roles in technology, product management and game management, Wayne brings a diverse skill set and understanding of high-performing lotteries businesses. He is a high-calibre appointment who takes over from Sue at an exciting time for The Lottery Corporation, its shareholders and its customers.” Pickup also described the appointment as an exciting opportunity to return to Australasia and contribute to the company, stating: