ators Rank Group have appointed Henry Birch as their new CEO.

The 45-year-old, who is currently a non-executive director of contracts for difference (CFD) trading platform operators Plus 500, will succeed Ian Burke on 6 May.

Birch, who boasts over 20 years’ of betting and gaming industry experience, was previously CEO of William Hill Online, the joint venture between bookmakers William Hill and providers Playtech.

Ian Burke, who is currently also executive chairman of Rank, will now become the firm’s non-executive chairman.

A Rank Group statement read: “With his track record in the online betting and gaming sector, the Rank board believes that Henry is well-equipped to lead Rank's continued exploitation of growth opportunities in the gaming and leisure markets.”