Johannes (Hans) Savonije has assumed his duties as the new Executive Director of the World Lottery Association (WLA).

Savonije brings a wealth of business, marketing and management skills with cross-cultural experience to his new role. He has spent the past 25 years with high-profile companies such as Unilever, Coca-Cola and Beverage Partners Worldwide (a joint venture between Coca-Cola and Nestlé). In his most recent position prior to joining the WLA, Savonije managed a global commercial operation at Rémy Cointreau, a Paris-based luxury spirits group.

During his 17 years with Unilever, Savonije lived in six different countries, adding extensive cross-cultural management experiences to his repertoire. While working as an executive for the Coca-Cola Company from 1997 through 2006, Savonije, amongst other positions, served as the company's division president for Central Europe and the Russian Federation. He speaks seven languages, including all four official WLA languages (English, French, German and Spanish). Savonije is also an avid sportsman, and has sailed across the Atlantic on several occasions.

"I'm delighted the WLA could attract such a top-flight person as Hans, who brings to the table a wealth of international executive business experience," said WLA President Arch Gleason. "Hans assuming the position as Executive Director marks the dawning of a new era for the WLA. These are challenging times for our lottery sector as our members must address the ever-changing global marketplace in which our products are offered, and the corresponding changes in the legal and regulatory environment in which we operate. Hans is well-suited to guide us through this period of dramatic change."

"While our WLA members face significant challenges and increasing competition, they also have great opportunities to offer new and innovative products and improved services to their players, sales agents, and for the benefit of the citizens of their sponsoring jurisdictions, states, or countries," said Savonije. "I look forward to partnering with our members, continuing to build on past accomplishments, and developing the Association to be an outstanding professional platform, where all stakeholders find inspiration and knowledge with an enhanced global perspective, whilst providing improved lottery sector governance in parallel."

Savonije replaces former WLA Secretary General Yvonne Schnyder, who has retired after 40 years of service to the WLA and its predecessor, Intertoto.


About The World Lottery Association
The World Lottery Association (WLA) is the professional association of the worldwide government-controlled lottery and sports betting community. It provides continuing education and other services to members and supports global standards and best practice for lottery management, security and social responsibility.

The WLA seeks to improve the public's understanding of responsible gaming issues and the role of lotteries in securing funds for good causes. It works with the five regional lottery associations to represent the collective interests of its members and foster constructive relationships with worldwide sports federations and other international organizations.

The WLA currently represents some 140 government-controlled lottery operators from over 70 countries with combined sales in excess of US$ 120 billion. WLA member lotteries raise approximately US$ 40 billion for good causes and the public benefit of citizens in their home countries. Some 60 suppliers to the gaming sector are associate members.