BGC Statement on Rank Group CEO John O’Reilly stepping down

The Betting and Gaming Council wishes to pay tribute to Rank Group Chief Executive John O’Reilly following the announcement that he is stepping down from his role.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “John O’Reilly is one of the most experienced, respected and influential leaders our industry has produced, and his contribution to betting and gaming cannot be overstated.

“Across a distinguished career, including nearly two decades at Ladbrokes Coral Group and a previous role as a non-executive director at William Hill, John has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of both the commercial and social responsibilities of regulated betting and gaming. That experience was brought to bear during almost eight years at the helm of Rank Group, where he led the business through an extraordinary period of change with clarity, integrity and purpose.

“Under John’s leadership, Rank - including iconic brands such as Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos - continued to invest in its people, venues and technology, strengthened its commitment to safer gambling, and remained a major employer and taxpayer supporting communities and high streets across the UK.

“Rank has been a valued and long-standing member of the BGC since its formation, and John has been a thoughtful and highly engaged voice in discussions with government and regulators at a time of intense political and regulatory scrutiny.

“Personally, I’m sad to see him leave the industry. I’ve greatly enjoyed his sense of humour and convivial style, which have made him a pleasure to work with and a hugely respected figure across the sector. On behalf of the BGC and our members, I want to thank John for his exceptional leadership and long service, and to wish him every success in whatever he chooses to do next. We are also confident that Rank has a bright future ahead under Richard Harris’ leadership as Interim Chief Executive, building on the strong foundations John leaves behind.”

Michael Dugher, Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I’m sorry to see John O’Reilly, the Chief Executive of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, leave the industry. I have always greatly valued his friendship and wise counsel, and the wider sector will miss his experience, sound judgement, absolute integrity and calmness under pressure. Those qualities are needed more than ever.

“He leaves behind a strong record of success at Rank, achieved in some of the toughest circumstances our industry has faced. We worked closely together through the Covid pandemic and the gambling review, which delivered long-overdue deregulation for casinos after decades of campaigning, the abolition of Bingo Duty, and no increase in Machine Gaming Duty at the Budget.”