Former Virgin Active UK managing director Martin Pugh has joined Casino and bingo entertainment provider The Rank Group as MD of Mecca Bingo. He replaces Mark Jones, who recently left the role to become MD of another Rank division – Grosvenor Casinos.

Pugh is tasked with driving profit growth through the company’s 93 retail clubs, as well as looking for opportunities to open three new clubs. He will also be working closely with Rank’s group director of digital and cross-channel services Colin Cole-Johnson, to ensure Mecca maximises the potential of its multi-channel offering.

Pugh, who has also held senior roles with Adpoints and Camelot UK Lotteries, joins Rank on 5 January, reporting to Group CEO Henry Birch, and will also sit on the Rank Group Executive Committee.

Welcoming the new recruit, Birch said: “Rank is already one of the industry leaders in bingo, and with Martin’s wealth of experience in not only gambling but also marketing and leisure, I am confident that he will help us to bring gaming based entertainment to an even wider audience.”