Lottery boss hits jackpot to win £1m a year bonus
THE former boss of National Lottery operator Camelot has won the jackpot with a £1million-a-year bonus scheme, it was disclosed yesterday.
Dianne Thompson has got a £1million-a-year bonus scheme
The news sparked criticism as Dame Dianne Thompson, 64, also received £600,000 to work her final seven months in the job.
She was given a £1million bonus under a long-term incentive plan, according to filed accounts.
She will receive an annual payout until the plan ends in 2019 and could land £1million in each of the next four years.
Critics have vented their scorn over the internet
This lady did not have to win £1million by buying a ticket. She was given it
Critics were quick to vent their scorn over the internet yesterday.
One said: “This lady did not have to win £1million by buying a ticket. She was given it.”
Another wrote: “Dianne has got her own lottery winning pot.”
Camelot said: “Dianne remains eligible for payments that she has already earned under Camelot’s long-term incentive plan, which will be for targets achieved in the years up to her leaving.”
The operator disclosed a £2million package for its chief executive in 2013.
She retired after 14 years in charge.
Dianne Thompson has retired after 14 years in charge
The company was criticised two years ago when it doubled the price of a lottery ticket to £2.
Camelot was under fire again on Saturday night when a technical glitch delayed the live draw for the £12.9million jackpot.
Next week's estimated jackpot will be £15.6million
No one had a winning ticket and Wednesday’s jackpot will be a rollover with an estimated jackpot of £15.6million.
A Camelot spokeswoman said: “There was a technical issue with the draw so the draw master was not happy for it to go ahead.”