Rank Group Names Richard Harris Permanent CEO

Richard Harris has been appointed permanent chief executive officer of Rank Group following his interim tenure that began in January. The UK leisure and gaming operator, known for its Mecca bingo halls, concluded its executive search after evaluating multiple internal and external candidates. Harris assumed the interim role following John O’Reilly’s departure, who served as chief executive for nearly ten years before retiring earlier this year. Rank Group reported strong financial performance, with like-for-like net gaming revenue reaching £205.4 million in the first three months of 2025. The company continues to work toward its medium-term objective of generating at least £100m in operating profit.

Richard Harris Transitions from Interim to Permanent CEO Role

The board’s decision to transition Harris from interim to permanent leadership followed his steady performance since joining Rank Group in May 2022 as chief financial officer. He officially stepped into the interim CEO position on 30 January 2026, marking a swift elevation within the organization’s executive structure.

Harris brings extensive credentials to the permanent role, specifically in corporate finance, divisional and commercial financial operations, investor relations, and financial reporting. His career trajectory includes serving as chief financial officer at Foxtons Group Plc, London’s leading estate agency. Prior to that appointment, he held the position of group financial controller at Laird Plc for three years. His professional foundation was built during an 11-year tenure at Marks & Spencer plc, where he occupied several senior finance roles. Harris holds the designation of Chartered Management Accountant.

The board expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to provide continuity and strategic leadership required to drive business performance and maximize shareholder returns. O’Reilly endorsed his successor, stating his confidence that Harris would lead Rank to the next stage of what he described as a bright future. Harris’s total yearly compensation stands at £913.68K.

John O’Reilly’s Retirement Marks End of Nearly Decade-Long Leadership

O’Reilly officially retired on 29 January 2026, concluding a tenure that began in April 2018. His career in the gambling sector spanned over three decades, including nearly two decades at Ladbrokes Coral Group and a previous role as a non-executive director at William Hill. The appointment followed the abrupt departure of former CEO Henry Birch.

During his leadership, O’Reilly secured capital investment to upgrade Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo venues and customer experience. He led the redevelopment of Rank Digital to launch proprietary platforms enabling omni-channel growth between online and land-based properties. His tenure navigated disruptive regulatory changes, including the FOBTs clampdown, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gambling Act review, and new tax regimes. Despite these obstacles, all business units returned to growth and profitability.

The Betting and Gaming Council paid tribute to O’Reilly’s contribution. Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the BGC, described him as one of the most experienced and respected leaders the industry has produced. She noted his deep understanding of both commercial and social responsibilities of regulated betting and gaming.

John H. Ott, chairman of Rank Group, thanked O’Reilly for his leadership and enthusiasm, stating his extensive gambling industry knowledge and operational expertise ensured Rank is well positioned for the future. O’Reilly will continue supporting the company until the close of the 2025/2026 financial year.

What Does Harris’s Appointment Mean for Rank Group’s £100M Profit Target?

Harris’s permanent appointment arrives as Rank Group demonstrates sustained financial momentum. In its Q1 earnings released in October, the company reported a 9% year-on-year increase in revenue, with net gaming revenue for the three months to 30 September topping £210.2 million. Notable gains included a 31% spike in Grosvenor digital revenue and a 9% rise within its Mecca online segment.

The financial trajectory continued through Q3, where revenue for the three months ended 31 March reached £205.4 million, surpassing the prior year by 5%. For the nine months through 31 March 2026, group like-for-like net gaming revenue stands at £625.2 million, up 6% from the prior year. Strong profit conversion leaves Rank Group confident it will surpass 2024-25’s operating profit of £63.7 million.

With revenue growth projected to continue through Q4, underlying operating profit is expected to reach £68 million. Harris stated that having implemented the actions required to mitigate much of the impact of higher remote gaming duty in the UK digital business.