Tue 23rd Mar 2021 - Exclusive: James Spragg to step down as The Big Table CEO, Alan Morgan to take reins Exclusive – James Spragg to step down as The Big Table CEO, Alan Morgan to take the reins: James Spragg is to step down as chief executive of The Big Table Group, the Epiris-backed operator of the Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Las Iguanas brands, Propel has learned. Propel understands he will be succeeded at the start of next month by Alan Morgan, currently chief executive of GLH Hotels. Morgan brings with him a wealth of leadership experience gained across the hotel, leisure and hospitality industries, and was previously managing director of Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo at the Rank Group and chief operating officer at Spirit Pub Company, where he worked with current The Big Table non-executive chairman Mike Tye. The Big Table Group was formed last summer when UK-based private equity firm Epiris completed a deal to acquire Casual Dining Group (CDG) out of administration, preserving more than 4,000 jobs across the UK and more than 150 restaurants. Spragg was promoted to chief executive of the then circa 280-strong CDG in April 2019, succeeding Steve Richards. He has spent six years at the business in total, previously as chief operating officer, and managing director of both Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia. As chief executive, he has steered the business through the crisis, which included a restructuring and sales process. Propel understands Spragg, who was previously managing director of PizzaExpress, leaves the business with the best wishes of Epiris and thanks for his achievements during his time at the company.