A little over a year after taking up the post as chief executive, Andy Duncan is leaving HR Owen it has been announced today.

He is to become managing director of Camelot UK Lotteries.

His successor is Joe Doyle, who was most recently regional managing director at HPI and Audatex

Duncan will remain with the business until the end of October to handover to Doyle.

The former Channel 4 boss started working at HR Owen in September 2010. At the time his appointment was described as a "real coup" by HR Owen.

Jon Walden, its chairman, said: "We are delighted to welcome Joe to HR Owen. He has a proven track record in our industry and will continue the good work his predecessor has started."

Doyle (pictured) said: "I am looking forward to leading the company through the next phase of its development as we begin to execute our strategy for growth."

In May the group revealed its strategy for "sustainable growth": expanding its luxury car dealerships, adding driving skills and motorsport businesses and seeking suitable targets for takeover, the result of a strategic review ordered by Walden.

HR Owen also said today trading remains in line with budget and its confident of achieving full-year market expectations.

"We continue to enjoy a strong balance sheet with positive cash balances ahead of budget," it said in a statement.

Duncan takes up a newly-created role responsible for all of Camelot's operations for the National Lottery in the UK. 

Duncan said: “I am very excited about joining Camelot and taking on the role to run the UK business – which comes with both great opportunity and tremendous responsibility.

"To have the challenge of further developing such a successful portfolio of brands, such as Lotto and EuroMillions, and raising even more money for the good causes is an incredible prospect. I look forward to starting work with my new colleagues at Camelot later this year.”