Peter Johnson to retire as non-executive Chairman

RNS Number : 9032E

Rank Group PLC

14 April 2011

 

The Rank Group Plc

- Peter Johnson to retire as non-executive chairman

The Rank Group Plc ('Rank' or 'the Group') announces that Peter Johnson has informed the board that, for personal reasons, he wishes to retire as non-executive chairman following the appointment of a successor. Peter Johnson has requested Richard Greenhalgh, Rank's senior independent director, to lead the search for a new independent chairman.  A further announcement will be made when a successor has been identified and the date of appointment of Mr Johnson's successor agreed.

Peter Johnson joined the board of Rank on 1 January 2007 and became chairman on 1 March 2007.

Peter Johnson said: "When I joined the board of Rank, it was in its first year of operating as a focused gaming business.  At that time the Group faced a number of challenges, most notably the British smoking ban.  The Group successfully overcame the near-term issues facing its businesses in 2007 and is now delivering strong growth in earnings.  Rank has a clear strategy to drive its businesses forward and I have great confidence in the management team and in the prospects for the Group."

Richard Greenhalgh, Rank's senior independent director, said: "Peter has been an outstanding chairman over the past four years.  On behalf of the board of Rank I would like to thank him for his commitment and hard work.  Whilst we understand and respect his decision, the board is extremely sorry to see him go."

ENDS

14 April 2011

www.rank.com

Enquiries:

The Rank Group Plc                                  01628 504 000

Frances Bingham, company secretary

Press enquiries:

FD

Ben Foster/Marc Cohen                             020 7831 3113

 

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