The Rank Group has appointed Richard Harris as its permanent Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, ending a six-month period in which he led the business on an interim basis.
Harris assumed the interim CEO role on 30 January 2026 following leadership changes at the company. His permanent appointment follows an executive search overseen by the Board's Nominations Committee, which reviewed both internal and external candidates with support from independent executive search firm MWM Consulting.
Having joined Rank as Chief Financial Officer in May 2022, Harris has played a key role in the company's strategic and financial management. The Board said his understanding of the business, operational leadership and track record of improving performance made him the strongest candidate to lead the group's next phase of growth.
John H. Ott, Rank Group Chair, said: “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. I am pleased that he has agreed to lead Rank as it continues to progress the delivery of the medium-term objective of generating at least £100m operating profit and the development of the longer-term strategy.”
Harris, himself said: “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 as we continue to drive growth and evolve the Group’s strategy. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their commitment and support over the last 4 years and look forward to an exciting future as CEO of the Rank Group.”
The leadership announcement comes after Rank reported another quarter of revenue growth. For the three months ended 31 March 2026, group like-for-like net gaming revenue increased 5% year-on-year to £205.4m (US$278.6m), while year-to-date revenue rose 6% to £625.2m.
Digital revenue rose 4% during the quarter, and Rank said previously announced cost mitigation measures are expected to offset much of the impact of the UK's higher 40% Remote Gaming Duty, contributing to an upgraded outlook for the full year.
Harris joined Rank as CFO in May 2022 and previously held senior leadership roles at Marks & Spencer, Foxtons and Laird
