Goals appoints casino boss as chief executive

Goals Soccer Centres – the five-a-side football operator – has hired the former boss of Grosvenor Casinos as its new chief executive.

Mark Jones will replace Keith Rogers on 1 July 2016, also joining the company’s board. Rogers will now move to America to develop Goals’ burgeoning US business after establishing a site in Los Angeles, California.

Before becoming managing director of Grosvenor Casinos, the 55-year-old held the same position with Mecca Bingo. He has also been chief executive and chair of Premium Bars and Restaurants, and CEO of Yates Group.

Jones said that while the company had “experienced recent issues” he saw “significant potential both here in the UK and in the US”.

In March the company posted a pre-tax loss of £6.2m (US$9.1m, €8.1m) as a result of a 4.9 per cent drop in sales. Goals is currently undertaking an “in-depth review” of the business.

Goals chair Nick Basing highlighted Jones’ “exceptional and experienced track record of managing leisure brands and growing businesses”.

“Mark’s appointment further strengthens the calibre of the board,” he added.