RANKY Rank Grp. Plc Adr (MM)

Hard Rock Cafe International Names Hamish Dodds President and CEO ORLANDO, Fla., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Cafe International (http://www.hardrock.com/), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Rank Group Plc , today announced that Hamish Dodds hasbeen named president and chief executive officer effective March 8, 2004. Dodds most recently held similar positions with Cabcorp and PepsiCo Beverages International. In addition to more than 100 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 40 countries, Hard Rock has recently extended the brand into Hard Rock Hotels, Hard Rock Casinos and Hard Rock Live entertainment venues. Prior to joining Hard Rock Cafe, Dodds worked in a variety of industries before joining PepsiCo in 1989. In the 13 years he was with PepsiCo, he gained extensive international experience in franchising, joint ventures and brand management from a number of roles including Finance, General Management and Business Development in Europe, the Middle East and the USA. Commenting on the appointment, Mike Smith, Chief Executive of The Rank Group, said, "I am delighted that Hamish has agreed to join the Group and am confident that his considerable expertise in brand and franchise management will prove invaluable as Hard Rock enters its next phase of development." Dodd will be relocating to Orlando from Miami with his wife and three children. About Hard Rock Cafe Hard Rock Cafe, one of the most globally recognized music, entertainment and dining brands, has a network of more than 100 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 40 countries and a music memorabilia collection valued at nearly $32 million. Known for collectible and fashion merchandise, live concerts, Hard Rock Live performance venues, hardrock.com and Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Rank Group PLC which is based in London, UK (NASDAQ:RANKY). For more information on Hard Rock Cafe, visit http://www.hardrock.com/. DATASOURCE: Hard Rock Cafe International CONTACT: Brian Siemienas, Hard Rock Cafe, +1-407-445-7625; John Gogarty, Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665, for Hard Rock Cafe International Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/

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