The Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery is leaving the state lottery to join Allwyn as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer of North America, the company’s latest U.S.-focused executive hire.
The company announced on Tuesday. June 2, that Khalid Reede Jones will begin in the role on July 6, leading Allywn North America as it continues to expand and evolve its presence on the continent.
Who is Allwyn North America’s new CEO?
Jones has stepped down from his role at the Virginia Lottery, where he worked as Executive Director for the last two years since April 2024. Previously a legal and licensing specialist for numerous firms, Allwyn said Jones has “a proven and impressive track record of creating value in highly regulated environments, navigating multi‑stakeholder systems, and turning strategy into measurable outcomes.”
“Khalid brings a rare combination of commercial discipline, regulatory credibility and digital‑first thinking,” added the firm in a press release. “This is built through over two decades of experience and senior executive roles spanning lottery, gaming enforcement, licensing and private investment.”
Jones succeeds Wayne Pickup in the role after Pickup stepped down last November to join Australia’s The Lottery Corporation. Jones will not have any direct involvement with daily fantasy sports (DFS) giant PrizePicks, which Allwyn acquired in a deal valued at more than $1.5bn in January.
Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal said that Khalid brings “a rare mix of regulatory insight, commercial experience and a genuine commitment to responsible growth” to the role.
“A digitally minded leader who understands the power of partnerships and innovation, I know his perspective and energy will be hugely valuable to our North American business,” added Chvátal.
Where and how does Allwyn North America operate?
Now, Jones will be tasked with leading the growth of Allwyn North America, which works as a full-service lottery operator and supplier, and is several years into a 10-year deal to serve as the exclusive operating partner of the Illinois Lottery. Allwyn established a presence in that state via its 2023 acquisition of Camelot Lottery Solutions, the operator of the Illinois Lottery, and quickly rebranded Camelot Illinois as Allwyn North America.
Allwyn also provides a range of e-instant games to other state lotteries including the D.C. Lottery and the Michigan Lottery.
Jones will work out of the company’s Chicago office.
Allwyn continues US-focused hires
Jones is Allwyn’s latest executive hire with a large focus on the U.S. market.
Last August, the European lottery giant launched the new Allwyn Digital business segment and hired former Betfred U.S. CEO Kresimir Spajic to lead the division. Allwyn Digital focuses on the company’s online and mobile lottery, sports betting and iGaming operations in North America and beyond.
Virginia Gov. Spanberger appoints new Lottery chief
Jones announced his departure from the Virginia Lottery last week.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has already named his replacement, appointing Kevin Hall as the new Executive Director. This will be Hall’s second spell in that role, having previously served in that position from 2018-22.
