After joining the company in January, Eyres has been working on the handover with her predecessor, after having worked for The Health Lottery’s parent business Northern & Shell.

Martin Ellice, Joint Group Managing Director at Northern & Shell, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lebby back into the Northern & Shell family. In her previous roles, she was a strong leader and played an integral role in the company’s strategy. In particular, she was a key player in the transformation of the media business from print-led to digital-first prior to its sale to Reach.

“The Health Lottery is going through a similar transition and is moving towards a more data-driven approach. We believe Lebby will do an excellent job of managing the different and exciting opportunities presented by both the digital and retail arms of the business.”

Eyres plans to improve the ‘storytelling’ used in the business by using her background in journalism. She said of her new role: “I am excited to take up this new challenge. The Health Lottery is a really impressive business and brand, with innovative lottery games such as All or Nothing and QuickWin helping attract new players and drive engagement.

“On a personal level, I’m pleased the timing of my taking over as the company’s first female CEO falls just ahead of International Women’s Day. Coming from a different industry, it has quickly become apparent to me there are few women at the top of gambling organisations."