Rank Group names Richard Harris as interim CEO as John O’Reilly confirms retirement
O’Reilly will step down this month after nearly eight years at the helm of the Grosvenor Casino and Mecca Bingo operator.
UK.- The board of The Rank Group Plc has announced that current chief financial officer Richard Harris will step up as interim CEO following John O’Reilly’s retirement at the end of this month. The London-listed gambling operator, which runs the Grosvenor Casino and Mecca Bingo brands, has begun a search for a permanent CEO.
O’Reilly will remain involved with Rank until the end of the 2025/2026 financial year, but will step down from CEO duties on January 26, with Harris to step up from January 30.
With experience from Gala Coral, Ladbrokes, and William Hill, the group’s current CEO joined Rank in April 2018 after the sudden departure of Henry Birch. He set about transforming the group’s performance, expanding its digital offerings with the launch of proprietary platforms and an omnichannel focus. This has seen the heritage gambling group return to sales growth and profit under his watch
O’Reilly’s tenure also saw him have to steer the group through the Covid-19 pandemic and to make the group’s case in debates around the UK Gambling Act review. In these discussions, he upheld the need for stronger governance and responsibility initiatives in the industry while also pushing for more flexibility for land-based gaming venues.
Beyond corporate achievements, Since joining Rank in May 2022, Harris has served as Executive Director and overseen a period of disciplined financial management and operational restructuring. The board emphasised that his appointment will ensure an “orderly transition of leadership.”
John H. Ott, chairman of Rank Group, said: “On behalf of the Board and all those at Rank, I would like to express my sincere thanks to John O’Reilly for his leadership and enthusiasm since his appointment as CEO in April 2018 His extensive gambling industry knowledge and operational expertise have ensured Rank is well positioned for the future. John’s contribution to the UK’s betting and gaming industry has been immense, and we wish him every success in his retirement.”
O’Reilly said: “It has been a privilege to lead Rank over the past seven and a half years. I am proud of all that we have accomplished and pleased that Richard will now take Rank into the next stage of what I am sure is a bright future. I wish the Group every success.”
Harris is a chartered management accountant who joined Rank as chief financial officer in May 2022. He was previously CFO at Foxtons Group Plc, a London estate agency. He also held the position of Group Financial Controller at Laird Plc for three years and spent over 11 years at Marks & Spencer plc, where he held several senior finance roles.
O’Reilly was a non-executive director at William Hill plc from January 2017 to April 2018, and chaired the Transformation Oversight Committee. He also served as a senior executive at Gala Coral Group from August 2011 to April 2015, where, as Managing Director of Coral Interactive (Gibraltar), he launched and built Coral’s online business.
Prior to Gala Coral, John was an executive director on the board of Ladbrokes plc. During his 19-year tenure from 1991 to August 2010, he launched and developed Ladbrokes’ digital business and managed functions including marketing, property, business development, public affairs, and trading.
In June 2015, John became non-executive chairman of Grand Parade Ltd, a digital design and development agency, selling the business to William Hill in August 2016. He also served as a non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee at Telecity Group plc from September 2007 to January 2016.
Rank Group will publish interim results on January 16.
