Rank Group chair Alex Thursby said he will not seek re-election and plans to leave the role at the company’s annual general meeting on 15 October. Rank said a successor search is under way, with Karen Whitworth serving as interim chair and an appointment expected in the coming months.
The change will alter Rank’s board leadership as the company searches for a permanent chair.
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Reportedly, Javier Gutiérrez, director general of Rank Holding España, has credited purpose and operational discipline for consolidating growth at Enracha, The Rank Group's boutique venues brand. He highlighted the team's sector knowledge, involvement and creativity in identifying improvements through customer interactions. Gutiérrez also stressed aligning managers and supervisors around a continuous-improvement strategy in a mature, competitive market.
Javier Gutiérrez, director general of Rank Holding España, has credited purpose and operational discipline with consolidating growth at Enracha, The Rank Group's boutique venues brand, in a mature market marked by uncertainty. Gutiérrez said the Enracha team's sector knowledge, involvement and creativity, and its ability to spot opportunities for improvement in each customer interaction, allow ideas to be turned into concrete actions. He said these factors progressively improve the experience in the venues.
Rank Group confirmed Richard Harris as its permanent chief executive on 13 July 2026, after he served as interim CEO from 30 January. The company said its board selected him unanimously following a recruitment process; Rank expects full-year like-for-like operating profit of £68m for 2025/26 and has a medium-term target of at least £100m.
UK Tote Group promoted Paddy Desmond to Group Chief Operating Officer and appointed Eugene Delaney as B2B Chief Commercial Officer, the company announced. Desmond succeeds Dave Hammond, who left in April; his remit includes product, customer experience, marketing and revenue. Delaney joins from Make Agency.
UK Tote Group said John O’Reilly will join its board as a non-executive director from 1 May. O’Reilly previously led Rank Group for seven and a half years and brings more than 30 years of senior industry experience, according to the report.
Rank Group appointed Jenny Blogg as chief commercial officer, with her role due to begin on 16 March. She will oversee the cross-channel customer experience across Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, join the Executive Committee and report to interim chief executive Richard Harris.