Noble Inns will not be replacing former managing director Simon Holroyd and instead founder Scott Hunter will step into the role, MCA understands.
Noble Inns runs its Smokehouse concept in Islington and Chiswisk; pubs The Pig and Butcher in Islington and The Princess of Shoreditch; and Moorgate diner concept Bad Egg.
Bella Italia appointed Holroyd as its new chief operations officer earlier this month.
He joins the Casual Dining Group brand this week after two years at the helm of Noble.
Holroyd was previously head of the food and beverage division of Middle east-based Al Tayer Group.
CDG told MCA that as well as operations, Holroyd will pick up local marketing, new site marketing and customer services.
Bella Italia currently operates 97 locations across the UK with its first international site opening this month, in India.
