Supplier News
UK – New Grosvenor Casinos MD
By Lewis - 10 October 2014
The Rank Group, one of the UK’s leading entertainment based gaming companies, has appointed Mark Jones, currently Managing Director of Mecca Bingo, to the position of Managing Director for Grosvenor Casinos.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO, Henry Birch, said, “Over the last 5 years, Mark has successfully led Mecca Bingo, stabilising our retail business and overseeing the growth of our digital operation, establishing meccabingo.com as a leader in its market. In addition to his time at Rank, Mark has a wealth of experience in the leisure industry and I know that he will be able to take Grosvenor Casinos, which is already a strong and well-established business, to the next level.
Commenting on his new role, Mark said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 5 years with Mecca Bingo but I am delighted to have been given the opportunity of taking on the role of Managing Director of Grosvenor Casinos at what I see as a very exciting time in the evolution of the brand. Less than 10 per cent of the UK population has ever visited a casino, so there is a massive opportunity to showcase what we have to offer to a much wider audience.
Mark, 54, joined The Rank Group Plc in 2009. Prior to this he has held held a number of senior management posts in the leisure industry, including chief executive of Pizza Hut UK (while at Whitbread PLC), chief executive of Yates Group plc and executive chairman of Premium Bars and Restaurants PLC.
Phil Urban, the current MD of Grosvenor Casinos, is leaving the business to take on a new position with Mitchell and Butlers and will leave Rank at the end of October. Rank is currently undertaking an external search to find a new Managing Director for Mecca Bingo.
