Rank Group, the UK-based leisure and gaming firm known for its Mecca bingo halls, has confirmed Richard Harris as its official chief executive officer. On July 13, Harris—who had been serving as interim CEO since January 30, 2026—assumed the permanent role. The decision follows an exhaustive search directed by Rank’s nominations committee, chaired by John Ott, with guidance from MWM Consulting. This process considered both internal and external candidates, ultimately leading to Harris’s unanimous selection.
Experience and Expertise
Harris has served on Rank Group’s board as chief financial officer since May 2022. Before his tenure at Rank, he held senior positions at notable consumer-facing companies like Marks & Spencer, Foxtons, and Laird. There’s no word yet on who will succeed Harris as CFO, leaving a key leadership spot open for now. John H Ott, chairman of Rank Group, expressed confidence in their choice, noting, “I am delighted to confirm Richard’s appointment as CEO of The Rank Group. Following a thorough recruitment process which identified a strong field of candidates, the board unanimously agreed that Richard was the outstanding choice.” Harris’s mix of industry knowledge and operational acumen seems to have played a key role in his selection.
Strategic Vision
Harris looks to build on the foundation laid during his time as CFO. “Rank is an industry-leading business with a strong portfolio of brands which are synonymous with the UK gaming industry. I am proud of what Rank has achieved during my tenure as CFO, and I look forward to building on this momentum,” he stated. The aim is to drive future growth while aligning with Rank’s medium-term goal of generating £100 million in operating profit. Rank’s former CEO, John O’Reilly, retired earlier this year, having steered the company since May 2018. Prior to Rank, O’Reilly had notable roles, including managing director of GVC’s Coral Interactive. The groundwork he laid is seen as instrumental in setting up the current strategies.
Financial Outlook
Rank Group is anticipating a strong finish to its fiscal year 2025-2026. During the first three months of the year, like-for-like net gaming revenue increased to £205.4 million. This performance has led Rank to predict it will surpass last year’s operating profit of £63.7 million, even after adjusting for various financial impacts. Analysts have noted that Rank’s solid financial standing could offer Harris a stable platform for implementing his strategic vision. However, questions remain regarding the selection of a new CFO and how this might influence the group’s leadership dynamics. What’s next for Rank Group? With the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2026, the company’s focus will likely center on finalizing its financial results while addressing the vacant CFO position.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
