New MD for Banana Tree as Anne Chow steps down after 28 years

She is being replaced by former Slug & Lettuce operations director Kate Wilton (pictured right), who will take up the role at the end of January.

Chow has been involved in Banana Tree from the start when her husband William Chow opened the first site in Maida Vale in the early 1990s. 

The pair grew the brand to nine sites in and around London before Big Table Group acquired the business in September 2022.

Since then, Chow has led the growth of the brand to 18 sites in just over a year, with two more launches planned in Q1 2024.

She will remain in an advisory capacity to the Big Table Group’s executive team on continued roll out plans for Banana Tree.

Wilton brings a ‘wealth of experience’ in the hospitality sector, having held senior operations roles at Spirit Pub Company and Whitbread prior to joining the Stonegate Group-owned Slug & Lettuce. 

“I’d like to thank Anne for an incredible journey with us. Whilst I am very sad to lose her from our executive team, I understand entirely that she has decided to take some time to herself after 28 years with Banana Tree,” says Big Table Group CEO Alan Morgan. 

“Her work overseeing the growth of the business in the past year is an amazing achievement, especially as it was done while integrating the business into the group at the same time. Anne and I have been working on this plan for a while, and we’re delighted that Kate has agreed to join us at an exciting time, as Banana Tree continues to grow into a national brand.”

Chow added: “After an incredible 28 years with Banana Tree, it is now time for me to step down and have a bit of a break. Spending time with my family and travelling are at the top on my to do list after the whirlwind of the past 18 months. Working with the Big Table Group and giving Banana Tree such a fantastic chance to grow to its full potential has been an immense pleasure and privilege and has been a great learning opportunity for me.”