Rank Group Appoints CFO Richard Harris as Interim Leader; Founder John Reilly To Step Down Next Month

Rank Group Plc (RNK.L, RANKF), the London-headquartered gaming operator, has unveiled a significant leadership transition. Effective January 30, Richard Harris, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of interim Chief Executive Officer, taking over from John Reilly, who is stepping down from the chief executive position on January 29.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for the gaming service provider as it navigates the leadership change. Harris brings substantial financial and operational expertise to the interim leadership role. He originally joined Rank’s executive team in May 2022 as Chief Financial Officer and has served as an Executive Director throughout his tenure. His professional background includes senior financial positions at notable organizations including Foxtons Group Plc, Laird Plc, and Marks and Spencer Plc, providing him with extensive experience across diverse sectors.

John Reilly, who has led Rank Group since April 2018, will maintain his involvement with the organization through the conclusion of the 2025/26 financial year. His decade-plus tenure has shaped the company’s strategic direction and industry standing. During his leadership, Reilly established a foundation that company leadership believes positions Rank favorably for continued growth and market expansion.

Chair John Ott commended the outgoing executive, stating that John Reilly’s deep knowledge of the gaming and betting sector, combined with his robust operational capabilities, has been instrumental in ensuring Rank’s competitive positioning. He also highlighted Reilly’s significant broader contributions to the betting and gaming industry throughout his career.

The Board has initiated a comprehensive search process to identify a suitable permanent chief executive to lead the organization long-term, with Harris serving in an interim capacity during this recruitment phase.