Sisal SPA has announced the formation of a UK Advisory Board that will be led by Baroness Karren Brady (CBE). 

Competing in the UK government’s Fourth National Lottery competition, Sisal has formed a high-profile advisory to provide its bid team with expert oversight on the management of raising money for good causes via the National Lottery.

A Conservative Party life-peer and advisor to the government on its small business strategy, Karren Brady will chair Sisal UK’s advisory that is formed of business and CSR figureheads.

Sisal’s UK bid team will be supported by social mobility and welfare expert Lord Victor Adebowale (CBE), the current chair of the NHS Confederation.

 UK retail and investment expertise will be provided by former ASDA chairman Andy Clarke and seasoned proven private equity executive Gary Hughes.

The bid’s mass-market strategy and stakeholder guidance will be led by UK creative advertising figurehead MT Rainey (OBE), and Conservative Peer and former Minister for Culture, Lord Ed Vaizey.

“I am delighted to be working with Sisal on its application for the Fourth National Lottery Licence“- Brady commented on backing Sisal’s bid.

“Our Lottery is a treasured institution that generates substantial funds for good causes across the UK. Sisal’s proven track record of managing and growing lotteries in Italy, Turkey and Morocco makes them a strong contender and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Advisory Board as the application progresses.”

DCMS is expected to announce the winner of the multi-billion tender during  the close of 2021, as SISAL competes against SAZKA Group and Northern & Shell to replace Camelot Group as the steward of the National Lottery.

Achieving bid wins in Turkey and Morocco, Sisal SPA seeks to further diversify its international profile, as the company is rumoured to be planning for a Milan BORSA IPO – as reported last week.

Sisal’s National Lottery bid is backed by the technical partner of BT and  Barnardo’s – the UK’s oldest charity fighting child poverty. 

“Each member brings unrivalled experience across key areas of industry and society that are central to our strategy and will help us to deliver the best possible solution for The National Lottery,” said Sisal CEO Francesco Durante.

“We’ve invested the time to secure the right team and ensured each of their values align with our vision for the future of The National Lottery. Together with our partners, the Advisory Board will add valuable insight and strategic counsel as we approach the final stage of the application.”