7th Dec 2006 07:00
Rank Group PLC07 December 2006 Rank appoints new Chairman The Rank Group Plc ("Rank" or "the Group") is pleased to announce theappointment of Peter Johnson as Chairman, to succeed Alun Cathcart who retiresfrom the Board at the end of February 2007. Currently Peter Johnson is chairman of Inchcape plc and a non-executive directorof Bunzl plc. He will join the Board as Deputy Chairman from 1 January 2007 andbecomes Chairman on 1 March 2007. Alun Cathcart has been Chairman of the Group for almost six years. Under hischairmanship, Rank has transformed itself from a broad-based conglomerate into afocused gaming and leisure business. Ian Burke, Chief Executive of Rank said: "On behalf of the Board I wish to thankAlun for the leading role that he has played in re-shaping The Rank Group. Underhis guidance the Group has sold a number of non-core businesses and establisheda leading position in the UK gaming sector. "Rank is entering a new phase in its development, adapting to the range ofsocial, regulatory and legislative influences that are changing the UK gamingmarket. Peter Johnson's depth of retail experience and his proven qualities ofleadership are of great importance to the Group as we seek to grasp theopportunities and to overcome the challenges presented by our changing businessenvironment." Rank confirms that there is no information to be disclosed under therequirements of Listing Rule 9.6.13R in relation to this appointment. PeterJohnson does not have any interest in the shares of The Rank Group Plc. Ends Enquiries The Rank Group PlcDan Waugh, Director of Investor Relations 01628 504053 M: CommunicationsNick Fox 020 7153 1540Lisa Gordon 020 7153 1548 Notes to editors About The Rank Group Plc The Rank Group is a leading leisure and gaming group with operations andfranchise interests in more than 40 countries around the globe. In 2005 Rankgenerated revenue from continuing businesses of £810.3m and operating profit of£127.5m. Rank's businesses include a number of established brands in gaming and leisure.These include Mecca Bingo, Top Rank Espana, Grosvenor Casinos, Blue Square andHard Rock. About Peter Johnson Peter Johnson, age 59, is chairman of Inchcape plc. He joined Inchcape in 1995as Chief Executive of Inchcape Motors Retail and became Chief Executive ofInchcape Motors International in 1996. He joined the Inchcape Board in January1998 before becoming Group Chief Executive on 1 July 1999 until 31 December 2005and Non-executive Chairman on 1 January 2006. He was appointed as aNon-executive Director of Bunzl plc on 1 January 2006 and Director and Chairmanof Automotive Skills Limited in October 2003. He is a Vice President of IMI (TheInstitute of the Motor Industry) and was previously Sales and Marketing Directorof the Rover Group, and Chief Executive of the Marshall Group. Peter was also anon-executive Director of Wates Group Limited from September 2002 to April 2006. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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