Directorate Change

Rank Group PLC
27 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 Ian
Burke, who will succeed Mike Smith as Chief Executive of Rank with effect from
6th March 2006. Ian Burke will join Rank on 6th March 2006 and Mike Smith will
retire from the Company at the end of March 2006.

Ian Burke, aged 49, is currently Chief Executive of Holmes Place Health and
Fitness Limited ('Holmes Place'). He has extensive experience of the leisure and
hospitality industries in the United Kingdom and in mainland Europe. He has also
been involved in retail and leisure management in the US. Before joining Holmes
Place he was Chief Executive of Thistle Hotels plc. He has also held the
position 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 of
the company, creating a focused business that is well positioned to exploit
growth opportunities in the gaming and leisure markets. Under his leadership,
Rank has generated significant value for its shareholders through a programme of
restructuring and development. On behalf of the Board I would like to express
our deep appreciation for all Mike's hard work and dedication over the last
seven 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 in
leisure 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 of
Listing Rule 9.6.13 in relation to this appointment.

                                    - END -

Enquiries

The Rank Group Plc
Dan Waugh, Director of Investor Relations         Telephone [phone]

Press Enquiries

Maitland Consultancy
Suzanne Bartch                                    Telephone [phone]

Notes to Editors

Biography of Ian Burke

Ian Burke joined Holmes Place as Chief Executive in July 2003 from Thistle
Hotels Plc, where he was Chief Executive from 1998. Previously he spent eight
years with Bass/Intercontinental in a number of roles including Managing
Director of Gala Clubs from 1992-1995 and Managing Director of Holiday Inn's
Europe, Middle East & Africa businesses from 1995 to 1998.






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