The Australian Lottery Corporation is set for a leadership change later this year. Wayne Pickup will take the top job as Managing Director and CEO. The Lottery Corporation CEO appointment becomes official in November 2025 once all regulatory approvals are in place.

  • Wayne Pickup is due to start with The Lottery Corporation on 24 November 2025. He steps in after Sue van der Merwe announced her retirement in March, ending a 35-year career in lotteries that included three years as CEO.

  • Pickup brings more than two decades of lottery industry know-how, with senior positions in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. Most recently, he led Allwyn’s North American operations, following earlier work as CEO of Lotto New Zealand.

  • While approvals are finalised, Pickup will attend board meetings as an observer. The current executive team will keep running the day-to-day business until his transition is complete.

  • Chairman Doug McTaggart said Pickup’s broad background in technology, product, and game management makes him well-suited for the role. He praised van der Merwe’s long tenure and described Pickup as taking over “at an exciting time for the company and its customers.”

  • Pickup said he was “honoured” to take on the role and sees strong potential in the Australian lottery market. He said he looks forward to working with the team to deliver value for shareholders and enhance the customer experience.

  • His deal includes an annual fixed salary of AUD 1.55 million and a AUD 500,000 sign-on bonus to replace incentives forfeited from his previous job. He will also be eligible for annual short-term and long-term bonuses tied to performance.

  • The short-term incentive plan can reach up to 150% of his salary for strong results, with half paid in cash and half in restricted shares. The long-term plan also allows for up to 150% of his salary, subject to shareholder approval and performance targets.

  • His contract includes a 12-month notice period for resignation or termination, along with standard non-compete terms lasting up to a year after leaving the role.

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