The Rank Group has announced a major leadership transition, with long-serving CEO John O’Reilly set to step down from his position on January 29, 2026.
O’Reilly, who has led the company since May 2018, will retire from the board but will remain available to support the business until the end of the current financial year to ensure a smooth handover.
A Tenure of Resilience and Reform
O’Reilly’s seven-and-a-half-year tenure was marked by significant challenges and strategic pivots. He joined Rank after a spell at William Hill and nearly two decades at Ladbrokes. His leadership at Rank began with the major acquisition of Stride Gaming, but he was soon tasked with navigating the unprecedented closures of the Covid-19 pandemic. He is credited with overseeing the company’s subsequent return to profitability.
Most recently, John O’Reilly steered Rank through the UK government’s gambling review and white paper. He secured critical reforms that allowed its Grosvenor casinos to modernize, notably enabling them to increase their gaming machine counts and introduce sports betting terminals for the first time. “It has been a privilege to lead Rank for the past seven and a half years. I’m proud of all that we have accomplished in that time,” O’Reilly said regarding his departure.
Interim Succession and Future Leadership
Chief Financial Officer Richard Harris has been appointed as interim CEO, effective January 30. Harris, who joined Rank in 2022 from Foxtons Group, is viewed by the board as a steady hand to maintain continuity. “As interim CEO, the board are confident Richard will provide both important continuity and the strategic leadership required to drive the performance of the business and maximise shareholder returns,” said Chairman John Ott.
Ott also thanked O’Reilly for his service: “His extensive gambling industry knowledge and experience, as well as deep operational skills have combined to ensure that Rank is well positioned to build on the direction he established.” The company has launched a formal search for a permanent successor.
