Gala Coral has promoted Dominic Harrison to chief executive and announced its chairman and founder would be leaving the company, but the gambling group denied the decisions signal any change in strategy.

The private equity owned bingo, casino and bookmaking group said Mr Harrison, chief operating officer, would replace Neil Goulden from October 1, the start of its financial year. Mr Goulden, who will have served nearly five years as chief executive, will become executive deputy chairman, taking on an ambassadorial role to promote the company’s overseas projects.