John H. Ott will become The Rank Group’s new Chair on 17 November. He’s currently a Senior Advisory Partner at Bain & Company in the UK, where he’s worked since 2006.
Ott brings 36 years of financial services experience to the role. Before Bain, he served as Group Director of Strategy Planning at Barclays Bank. He already chairs two other companies.
Alex Thursby held the position for nearly six years. He announced in September that he wouldn’t stand for re-election at October’s AGM. Karen Whitworth, the Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair, stepped in as Interim Chair after the 15 October meeting.
She’ll now return to her regular roles.
Why Ott Got the Job
Whitworth said Ott stood out during “a rigorous and wide-ranging selection process.” His background in regulated industries made the difference.
“His wealth of experience in highly regulated industries, and advising and working with boards across the globe, will provide the Group with the expertise and leadership that it requires,” Whitworth said.
The timing matters too. Rank just reported its financial results for July through September. Digital revenues looked strong, with Grosvenor’s online operations up 31%.
Thursby pointed to “a digital business which is beginning to scale” when he announced his departure. That growth convinced him the time was right to step away.
What Changes at Rank
The transition happens mid-November. Ott takes over from Whitworth’s interim role rather than directly from Thursby.
Rank needed someone who understands complex regulatory frameworks. The company operates across multiple jurisdictions with different compliance requirements.
Ott’s consultancy background gives him exposure to various board structures and governance approaches. He’s worked with companies globally through Bain.
His previous McKinsey experience adds another layer. Bain sits alongside McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group as one of the “Big Three” management consultancy firms.
How This Affects Rank’s Direction
The appointment comes as Rank’s digital operations gain momentum. That 31% online growth at Grosvenor signals the strategy’s working.
Ott inherits a business in transition. The company’s moving from traditional venues toward digital channels. But it’s not abandoning its retail presence.
His financial services background should help. Banking and gambling share similar regulatory challenges around customer verification and anti-money laundering.
The board wanted someone who could guide the next phase. Whitworth called it “the next phase of our strategic journey”, corporate speak for continued digital expansion.
Rank’s retail venues still matter, but online growth drives the future. Ott’s job is steering that shift without destabilising what already works.
The company didn’t disclose his compensation package or contract length. Those details typically emerge in the annual report.
