Jumbo Interactive sets sights on UK expansion with senior hire

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n his role, Nigel Atkinson will also assume management of the firm’s UK subsidiary, Gatherwell, which Jumbo acquired in 2019.  

Nigel brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the digital technology sector, working in both senior technical and commercial roles.  Atkinson founded digital commerce consultancy Neoworks in 1998, later selling to Wunderman Thompson Commerce in 2014. He continued to work with Wunderman Thompson Commerce as Business Development Director prior to joining Jumbo.

Jumbo’s focus on the UK comes at a time when the charity sector faces huge challenges post pandemic. The firm will combine its digital expertise from running government lotteries in Australia with Gatherwell’s experience with local causes and schools, to make it easier than ever for charities and good causes to set up and run a lottery and generate sustainable income.

Nigel Atkinson, UK General Manager, Jumbo Interactive comments: “Now more than ever charities are looking for ways to build back and generate new fundraising income. Society lotteries offer an important source of income, and are a low risk, sustainable fundraising solution. We are excited to further develop our presence in the UK, and make our software and services available to support more charities back into good health – whatever their size.”

Richard Bateson, Chief Commercial Officer, Jumbo Interactive comments: “We are excited to have Nigel join Jumbo Interactive to head up our UK businesses which include Gatherwell. Nigel’s digital knowledge and expertise coupled with our ambitions in the UK market, will help us support charities and not for profits with their fundraising and incentive giving programmes at this very important time.”

Jumbo Interactive has operated lotteries in Australia for 20+ years and its owned lotteries in the UK already support 9000 causes, raising £7M annually through 125K players.  Jumbo Interactive secured its software operating licence from the Gambling Commission in November 2020, enabling it to provide its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) online lottery platform in the UK.