Dianne Thompson, chief executive of the National Lottery, has been awarded the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) annual Gold Medal for her strategic direction and leadership.
She is only the second woman to win the award in its 25-year history.
The award acknowledges her role in building one of the most successful lotteries in the world, driving innovation in the business and maximising returns to good causes in the UK. The lottery has so far given more than £18bn to good causes.
The Gold Medal is presented to individuals who are active in management in the private, public or voluntary sectors and who have demonstrated “outstanding achievement through their vision and ability to deliver success for their organisation”.
This year Camelot saw its largest sales increase in eight years. Under Thompson the lottery has expanded with new ventures, including the multi-million-pound pan-European lottery and Lotto, as well as online games and scratchcards.
Jo Causon, director of corporate affairs at the CMI, said: “Success is often defined by how far the goals of an organisation are met and leaders who communicate a clear vision are more likely to motivate and drive performance levels.
“These are just some of the qualities that Dianne brings to Camelot and the results she had achieved to date are evidence of her abilities,” she added.
Thompson said she was honoured to receive the award, but would not rest on her laurels.
“We are currently working hard to write a bid for the next lottery licence, which will capture the public imagination and deliver the best returns for good causes,” she said.
Companies hoping to run the lottery from 2009 have to put in their bid to the National Lottery Commission by 15 December.
Camelot is currently vying with Australian operator Tattersall’s and Indian conglomerate Sugal & Damani.
