27th Jan 2006 07:01
Rank Group PLC27 January 2006 27 January 2006 The Rank Group Plc Ian Burke to succeed Mike Smith as Chief Executive The Rank Group Plc ("Rank" or "the Company") announces the appointment of IanBurke, who will succeed Mike Smith as Chief Executive of Rank with effect from6th March 2006. Ian Burke will join Rank on 6th March 2006 and Mike Smith willretire from the Company at the end of March 2006. Ian Burke, aged 49, is currently Chief Executive of Holmes Place Health andFitness Limited ("Holmes Place"). He has extensive experience of the leisure andhospitality industries in the United Kingdom and in mainland Europe. He has alsobeen involved in retail and leisure management in the US. Before joining HolmesPlace he was Chief Executive of Thistle Hotels plc. He has also held theposition of managing director of Gala Clubs, the bingo operator. Alun Cathcart, Chairman of Rank, said: "Since Mike joined Rank in 1999 he has brought about a major transformation ofthe company, creating a focused business that is well positioned to exploitgrowth opportunities in the gaming and leisure markets. Under his leadership,Rank has generated significant value for its shareholders through a programme ofrestructuring and development. On behalf of the Board I would like to expressour deep appreciation for all Mike's hard work and dedication over the lastseven years. "We started the search for Mike's successor in October last year and we have been fortunate to identify Ian so early in the process. With his track record inleisure and hospitality and his experience of brand development and franchising,he is well-equipped to lead Rank's continued development." Rank confirms there is no information to be disclosed under the requirements ofListing Rule 9.6.13 in relation to this appointment. - END - Enquiries The Rank Group PlcDan Waugh, Director of Investor Relations Telephone 020 7535 8031 Press Enquiries Maitland ConsultancySuzanne Bartch Telephone 020 7379 5151 Notes to Editors Biography of Ian Burke Ian Burke joined Holmes Place as Chief Executive in July 2003 from ThistleHotels Plc, where he was Chief Executive from 1998. Previously he spent eightyears with Bass/Intercontinental in a number of roles including ManagingDirector of Gala Clubs from 1992-1995 and Managing Director of Holiday Inn'sEurope, Middle East & Africa businesses from 1995 to 1998. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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