LONDON: The Rank Group Plc has appointed Richard Harris as chief executive officer effective immediately, following a six-month stint as interim CEO, a statement said.
Harris, who joined the company as chief financial officer in May 2022, was selected after an extensive executive search process overseen by the board’s Nominations Committee and supported by independent firm MWM Consulting. The committee considered both internal and external candidates.
“Following a thorough recruitment process which identified a strong field of candidates, the board unanimously agreed that Richard was the outstanding choice,” said John H. Ott, chair of Rank Group, in a statement.
Harris’s appointment comes as the gaming operator works toward its medium-term goal of generating at least £100 million in operating profit and developing a longer-term strategy. The board cited his strong management during the interim period and his track record of driving business performance as key factors in the decision.
Prior to Rank, Harris held senior leadership roles at Marks & Spencer Plc, Foxtons Plc and Laird Plc.
“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,” Harris said.
Rank, listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker RNK, operates a portfolio of gaming brands across the United Kingdom.
