Rank Group Appoints Former Manchester United CFO as Interim Chief Financial Officer
Rank Group Names Cliff Baty as Interim CFO
Rank Group has announced the appointment of Cliff Baty as its new interim Chief Financial Officer. Baty brings a wealth of experience in finance and leadership, stepping into the role on a temporary basis to help guide the company’s financial strategy.
Experienced Financial Leader Joins Executive Team
The company confirmed in a regulatory filing dated February 17, 2026, that Baty would assume his duties as interim CFO starting February 23, 2026. Along with his CFO responsibilities, he will also join the group’s Executive Committee to contribute to broader strategic decisions.
Baty is recognized for his expertise in financial planning, investor relations, managing financial controls, overseeing international business operations, and engaging with various stakeholders. His extensive experience comes from years of leadership roles within the gaming and leisure industry.
Professional Journey of Cliff Baty
Prior to joining Rank Group, Baty spent eight years as the Financial Director at Ladbrokes, a leading name in the betting sector. He then served as Chief Financial Officer at Sportech for three years. Notably, Baty held the CFO position at Manchester United for over eight years, bringing a high level of expertise to his new role.
Interim CFO Role Supports Leadership Transition
This appointment follows the recent decision by John O’Reilly, the outgoing CEO, to step down after successfully leading the company through a significant transformation. Richard Harris, who previously served as CFO, has taken on the role of interim CEO.
With Baty stepping into the CFO position temporarily, Rank Group has established interim leadership stability while it continues to search for a permanent CEO.
Strong Financial Performance Bolsters Confidence
Amid these leadership changes, Rank Group reported positive financial results for the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, with net gaming revenue rising to $580.4 million, a year-on-year growth of 6%. Underlying operating profit also increased by 15% to $56.1 million.
These gains were driven by successful company transformations and the expansion of gaming terminals across Grosvenor venues. The leadership remains optimistic about the company’s future growth prospects based on this strong performance.
