Rank, the operators of the Mecca Bingo group of clubs has appointed a new Managing Director. Mark Jones 48, is well known in the Restaurant and hospitality industry holding position of CEO, chief executive with well known PLC companies including Pizza Hut, Yates Group and come direct to Mecca Bingo from Premium Bars and Restaurants.

Mark Jones takes up the vacant place after the departure of Simon Wykes that Bingosupermarket reported in May 2009. The appointment of Jones is a clear indication that Mecca are looking towards broadening the product range of the bingo group and seeking more innovation to attract a wider audience.

Mecca Bingo have 103 bingo clubs in their estate and have struggled to increase their admission base since the introduction of the smoking ban. Bingo has come along way in recent years but appointing a person in this high profile role could be seen as a bit of a risk.

Many bingo operators in the UK have tried to innovate by pushing electronic bingo to increase the purchase that customers make, this is also having a negative impact on the frequency of visits and is something that Bingo companies will have to address.

Mark Jones has yet to make any statements on his future intentions with the bingo club estate but not coming from a bingo background, it is widely anticipated his focus will be on customer care and new products.