Allwyn Bolsters Leadership: Fredrik Ögren Appointed as New Group CTO

The world of international lotteries and online gambling never stands still, especially regarding the technological infrastructure behind the scenes. Allwyn, the operator of the UK National Lottery and a powerhouse in the European market, has now announced a crucial executive appointment. Fredrik Ögren is taking on the role of Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This appointment marks a strategic step to consolidate and further develop the company's technological prowess on a global scale. Ögren is a well-known figure in the industry, bringing years of experience from Betsson Group to London and Prague.

The transition comes at a time when Allwyn is investing heavily in its digital presence. Fredrik Ögren will report directly to Kresimir Spajic, CEO of Allwyn Digital. His remit covers the entire group's technology strategy, infrastructure development, and support for digital products across various international markets. It is not just about smooth operations but primarily about creating a connected ecosystem that allows for faster innovation and an enhanced customer experience.

Numbers and facts

Fredrik Ögren looks back on an impressive career. He spent a total of seven years at Betsson Group, serving five years as CTO. During his time at the Stockholm-listed company, he led technology transformation across numerous regulated markets. Before his promotion to CTO at Betsson in July 2021, he served as Director of Platforms and Infrastructure and Cloud and DevOps Director. This technical depth is now intended to benefit Allwyn in taking the lottery giant's platforms to the next level.

As part of this restructuring, there are also internal shifts. Brett Cross, who previously served as interim Group CTO, remains with the company in a key role. He takes on the newly created position of CTO Global Lottery while also serving as Deputy Group CTO. Cross will report directly to Ögren in this setup. Kresimir Spajic emphasized that this duo forms a strong technology leadership team for the upcoming growth phase.

"I am thrilled to be joining Allwyn at such an exciting stage in its growth journey. Technology plays a critical role in creating great player experiences, enabling innovation and supporting long-term business success. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Group to build an even more connected technology ecosystem." - Fredrik Ögren, Group Chief Technology Officer at Allwyn

Background

Allwyn has developed into one of the world's leading lottery providers through massive acquisitions and winning key licenses, such as the fourth license for the UK National Lottery. The group is pursuing an ambitious digital strategy to link traditional lottery products with modern online offerings. This is where Ögren's expertise comes in, having demonstrated at Betsson how to make complex platforms scalable across borders.

Kresimir Spajic praised the new hire for his proven track record in leading technological transformations in global organizations. For Allwyn, the appointment is a significant step toward building a scalable platform that offers better experiences for both customers and partners. The departure from Betsson was apparently planned, as Ögren had already announced his exit from the Swedish provider's C-suite in August 2026.

Why it matters for German players

Although Allwyn is primarily known for its lottery operations, any technological innovation at such a giant has an impact on the entire European market, including Germany. For German players using platforms licensed under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), the stability and security of the technology are paramount. The appointment of an experienced CTO like Ögren signals that major providers are investing heavily in player protection through technology. In Germany, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) strictly monitors whether providers meet IT requirements. This includes connection to the LUGAS system for monitoring the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the 1 euro per spin limit for virtual slots. An improved technological base, as pursued by Allwyn, facilitates the correct implementation of these regulatory requirements and increases data security for the user.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators of online casinos with a GGL license in Germany, this move shows that competition for technological talent is increasing. Anyone wishing to succeed in the German market must not only be legally compliant but also technically on par with international standards. The GGL whitelist only includes providers that clear high technical hurdles. When heavyweights like Allwyn strengthen their IT leadership with experts from companies like Betsson, the pressure on smaller providers to also invest in their platforms increases to keep pace with performance and player protection tools.