Rank hands ex-Timberland marketer top gaming job

Former Timberland marketer Pat Mitchinson has joined Rank Group’s gaming division as marketing director. She will be responsible for the marketing of Rank’s Mecca brand and the Grosvenor and Hard Rock Casino chains.

Mitchinson takes up the new role following the departure of commercial director Nigel Sibley, who left the company last month.

His role has been split between Mitchinson and former director of purchasing Michelle Jennings, who has taken the title of commercial director – although the role is not the same as that held by Sibley.

Mecca is the second-largest UK bingo operator behind Gala. Its advertising is handled by WCRS, with planning and buying by Mediaedge:CIA.

Mitchinson was European marketing director for Timberland for two years until earlier this year (MW June 2). Before joining the fashion company (MW July 24, 2003), she was director of marketing for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

She joined Disney in 2001, after being poached from Mothercare, where she had worked as marketing controller.

Sibley, who joined Rank Group in 1989 and held various marketing positions, left the company last month and has now joined buil- ding and plumbing supplier Wolseley UK as commercial director.

Before joining Rank, he spent five years at Bass Leisure.