James Spragg to be replaced by Alan Morgan as CEO of Big Table Group

James Spragg is stepping down as chief executive at Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas operator the Big Table Group after six years with the business.

As first reported by Propel, he will be succeeded by Alan Morgan, currently chief executive of GLH Hotels.

In an internal note, chairman Mike Tye said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank James for his many achievements during his six years in the business, as not only CEO of the Big Table Group, but previously as chief operating officer, and MD of both Café Rouge and Bella Italia. I am sure that you will join me in wishing James all the very best in the next chapter of his career.

“I am pleased to also announce that we have appointed a successor. Alan Morgan, currently CEO of GLH Hotels, will join the business, as CEO. Alan brings with him a wealth of leadership experience gained across the hotel, leisure and hospitality industries and I know will be a great addition at the Big Table.”

Spragg joined what was then Casual Dining Group as chief operating officer, having previously held the role of managing director at PizzaExpress. He was promoted to chief executive in 2019. The group fell into administration in July last year, which saw the closure of 91 sites and the loss of 1,909 jobs.

The group’s remaining 150 sites were bought out of administration by private equity firm Epiris for £18m last year in a deal that saw it rebranded as the Big Table and preserved 4,000 jobs across 150 restaurants, as well as the management team.

Morgan has been chief executive of GLH Hotels since 2019, a group which encompasses brands including Guoman, Thistle, Hard Rock and Amba Hotels. He previously held roles including chief operating officer and commercial director of the Spirit Pub Company and regional operations director at Whitbread.