Rank Interactive hires Entain’s Sam Allanson as CFO

Allanson will be based in Gibraltar, reporting into group CFO Richard Harris. He joins after six years at Entain, taking on the role at what was then GVC following the merger of Ladbrokes and Coral. 

At Ladbrokes he also served as commercial finance director and previously held senior finance positions at broadcaster Sky. He is the division’s second high profile hire of the year, after managing director Andrew Peat joined in June.

“I am delighted to welcome Sam as we continue to grow our Interactive business,” Rank group CFO Harris commented. “His experience in consumer-facing businesses, particularly in betting and gaming, will be extremely valuable as we continue to implement our strategy. 

“Building our financial capabilities across the group is an important cornerstone of Rank’s ambitions to excite and entertain our customers, a vision Sam shares with us.”   

Rank’s Digital revenue grows

Allanson described Rank Interactive as “one of the most exciting places to be right now in the betting and gaming industry” as its contribution to the wider business grows. 

Rank reported a 16% year-on-year increase in digital revenue to £52.5m in the third quarter of its fiscal year, ended 31 March. For the first nine months of the year, digital revenue came to £153.3m, or 30.0% of the group total. Full-year results are due on 17 August.

This growth is down to investment in enhancing the customer experience, supported by a proprietary tech stack group CEO John O’Reilly said at the time.

“Drawing from my previous experience in the sector, I look forward to contributing to Rank Interactive’s ongoing success and to support the finance team in delivering the ambitious plans that Rank has for its digital growth,” Allanson added. “I am excited to be part of a senior management team with such a clear vision for growth.”