ling operator, Rank Group, has confirmed the appointment of Steven Esom as its non-executive director.

Esom’s new role in Rank will require him to chair the company’s remuneration committee and serve as a member of the audit and nominations committees.

Ian Burke, the company’s chairman said: “I am delighted to welcome Steven to the Rank board and I know that his skills and experience will be a real asset to the group.

“The board and I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

Having spent five-years as managing director of Waitrose earlier in his career, Esom is currently the senior independent director and remuneration committee chairman of food producer Cranswick. He is also non-executive chairman of the British Retail Consortium and of Advantage Travel Centres.

Rank was established in 1937 as part of the motion picture industry, since 2006 it has developed into a gaming based entertainment firm, operating with brands such as Grosvenor Casino and Mecca Bingo.