James Hutchinson

Senior Vice President of Marketing, Georgia Lottery

Published August 19, 2025

James has been an exceptional leader at the Georgia Lottery for over 20 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing. His visionary leadership, unmatched creativity, and innovative thinking make him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

With over three decades of experience spanning the entertainment, retail, and lottery industries, James is a seasoned professional whose impact on the Georgia Lottery is nothing short of transformative. As the creative force behind the brand, he has helped shape and elevate the Lottery’s games into vibrant, engaging experiences that not only captivate players but also communicate complex features and prize structures in an accessible, exciting way.

James's marketing approach goes far beyond conventional channels. While he delivers high-impact commercials, radio promotions, and social media campaigns, his strategic depth allows him to explore fresh and unconventional avenues. Under his leadership, the Lottery launched unforgettable promotions, from a Ford truck to exclusive travel experiences and once-in-a-lifetime halftime events, each designed to delight players and deepen engagement.

In addition, James serves as the primary liaison with the Georgia Lottery’s major sports partners, including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream, and Atlanta United. Recognizing the power of live audiences, James has introduced dynamic activations such as parachute t-shirt drops from stadium rafters and giant lottery ball descents. His eye for innovation ensures that the Lottery’s presence at retail locations is just as memorable, with captivating signage that grabs attention and drives traffic.

James also brings valuable experience from outside the lottery world. He previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for the Florida Lottery and held leadership roles with over 1,000 Athlete's Foot stores. He was also part of the Walt Disney World management team and played a key role in the launch of Disney's Wide World of Sports, now ESPN Wide World of Sports.

His outstanding work has earned him numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards, multiple Addy Awards, Radio Mercury Awards, Telly Awards, and recognition from the American Marketing Association as "Marketer of the Year."

The Georgia Lottery team is deeply grateful for James's leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence. His contributions continue to grow the Lottery's brand, strengthen connections with players, and ultimately increase funding for Georgia.