Robert Chvátal

Education and Early Corporate Career

Chvátal studied international trade and finance at the University of Economics in Prague, earning a master’s degree. After graduation, he joined Procter & Gamble, one of the world’s largest FMCG companies. There, he gained early experience in strategic brand management and operations across various markets. Later, he worked at Reckitt Benckiser, continuing to build his expertise in business development, marketing, and corporate leadership.

In the early 2000s, Chvátal entered the telecommunications industry, where he would spend the next decade. He served as CEO of T-Mobile Slovakia, where he oversaw the company’s restructuring and modernization efforts. His results led to his appointment as CEO of T-Mobile Austria, a significantly larger and more competitive market.

Entry Into the Lottery Industry

In 2013, Chvátal joined the Sazka Group — the company that would eventually rebrand as Allwyn. Initially focused on Central Europe, Sazka had strong positions in markets like the Czech Republic and Austria. As CEO of Sazka Group, Chvátal began executing a long-term plan to scale the business into a pan-European lottery operator.

Under his guidance, the company invested in technology, acquired stakes in foreign lottery firms, and positioned itself as a strong contender in the global gaming sector. He was instrumental in building Allwyn’s portfolio across Austria (Österreichische Lotterien), Greece and Cyprus (OPAP), Italy (Sisal), and later the UK.

Becoming Group CEO of Allwyn

In 2021, following the corporate restructuring and launch of Allwyn as the international identity of the group, Chvátal was named Group CEO. The promotion came at a time of strategic importance, as the company was preparing its bid for the fourth UK National Lottery license.

As Group CEO, he took on broader responsibility for aligning operations across multiple countries, managing stakeholder relations, and overseeing corporate governance and M&A strategy. He also joined Allwyn’s Board of Directors, solidifying his position at the heart of the company’s long-term vision.

Winning the UK National Lottery License

One of the most significant moments in Chvátal’s career came in 2022, when Allwyn won the tender to operate the UK National Lottery — one of the largest and most prestigious licenses in the global lottery market. Allwyn officially assumed control in February 2024, ending Camelot’s 30-year tenure.

The victory was widely seen as a turning point for Allwyn, demonstrating the company’s ability to compete at the highest level. It also elevated Chvátal’s profile within the global gaming industry.

Current Role

Chvátal is known for his structured, results-oriented leadership. He believes in empowering local teams while maintaining strategic alignment at the group level. This hybrid model — combining autonomy with oversight — has allowed Allwyn to navigate regulatory complexity while scaling efficiently.

His focus remains on digital transformation, responsible gaming, and delivering long-term value to stakeholders. He has repeatedly emphasized the role of lotteries in funding public goods and promoting player protection, positioning Allwyn as a “modern public service company.”

As CEO, Chvátal oversees operations in multiple regulated markets across Europe. His remit includes strategy, finance, compliance, and corporate development. He is also responsible for guiding the company’s technological investments, including digital platforms and retail infrastructure.

He continues to represent Allwyn in major international forums and industry events, positioning the company as a thought leader in responsible gaming and lottery innovation.