Former Gaucho boss Martin Williams is to take over as chief exec of D&D London, one of the biggest high-end restaurant groups in the UK.

The move will see him take charge of brands including Coq d’Argent, Bluebird, German Gymnasium, Quaglino’s and Angler, which holds a Michelin star.

Williams said: “I am delighted to be joining such an amazing group of restaurants, many of which have a phenomenal legacy, which played no small part in my falling in love with the hospitality sector.

“I now look forward to taking stewardship of the company as it enters a new chapter of growth under the new Evolv Collection branding.

“The recent performance results and awards, show the excellent talent and potential of the team who I am excited to join and lead.”

D&D London board director Simon Wilkinson said: “We are pleased to announce that Martin Williams has been appointed as our new chief executive officer. We have closely monitored his career over an extended period and are confident that he will be an asset to our organisation.

“He joins us at a very exciting time for the business. After a focussed period of  stabilisation and transformation we are very much looking forward to Martin leading us through the next stage of both organic and acquisitive growth. On the back of a record festive trading period, a strong January and the company’s first major refurbishment for many years, we are well positioned for Martin to evolve and grow the business further.”

Turnover at D&D increased on a like-for-like basis from £129m in 2022 to £133m in its 2023 financial year. EBITDA fell from £11m in 2022 to £5m in 2023.

Williams’ appointment follows a tumultuous few years for D&D, with former boss Des Gunewardena leaving the company in 2022 after 18 years at the helm. David Loewi – the other “D” in D&D – followed him at the end of last year.

The group was acquired by Byron Burgers backer Calveton and Breal Capital in 2024 in a deal worth £60m. Last week D&D announced plans to rebrand the company as “the Evolv Collection”.

A spokesman said: “It is an appropriate time for the company to evolve into its new corporate identity. From our early roots as part of Sir Terence Conran’s pioneering restaurant empire, via D&D London and now into the Evolv Collection, our new name reflects our commitment to a forward-thinking mindset for our collection of iconic venues.”

It also said it will launch Bluebird in the City – a sister restaurant to Bluebird Chelsea – on the site of the 3 South Place Restaurant at the South Place hotel.