Rank Group has appointed Karen Whitworth as a non-executive director with immediate effect.

The gambling company said Whitworth will serve on its audit, safer gambling and remuneration committees, and will be appointed as audit committee chair with effect November 21.

Whitworth was recently a member of the commercial board and director of Non-Food Grocery and New Business at J Sainsbury PLC. Before joining Sainsbury’s, Rank said Whitworth spent time at Intercontinental Hotel Group PLC and BGS Holdings Ltd, an online entertainment business.

Whitworth is currently a non-executive director of FTSE 250-listed Tritax Big Box REIT PLC.

“We are delighted to welcome Karen to the Rank board. Her extensive background in finance and governance, together with significant broad business acumen, will be a real asset to the group,” said Chair Alex Thursby.