Our Biographies

Nicole Ash

Nicole joined Banana Split as an Event Planner in September 2010 and her feet haven't touched the ground since then. Soon after her arrival she was involved in the planning of a 5 day event in The Bahamas which was a fantastic start to her career as she particularly enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures. This specific event was very exciting as she saw firsthand the designs on paper transformed into a magnificent pavilion which was constructed for the main party..... the only disappointment for her was watching it come down!

Nicole was attracted to Banana Split as she knew the company enjoyed an unsurpassed reputation for designing and creating the best parties worldwide and she would certainly have the opportunity to allow her imagination to run wild. And being a particularly sociable and outgoing personality, meeting and liaising with so many different people make her job both interesting and anything but ordinary.

A few more remarkable bits about Nicole...
Ultimate day: Relaxing on a sunny beach with a good book
Nicole is passionate about: Family and friends
Greatest challenge: Climbing Mount Masada at 5 am
Love that artist: Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey
Indulgence: Diet coke, Dairy Milk and Haribo gold bears!
Childhood wish: To be a chef
Favourite eats: Pizza, pasta and all things Italian

Click here to email Nicole

Greg Barker

Known by colleagues as 'Barks' and the office joker, Greg joined Banana Split 14 years ago and is lighting, construction and production manager. Being on site and watching the event come to life is the most exciting part of Greg's job while he believes the secret to a great party is good music, plenty of delicious food and large quantities of alcohol. His favourite party was a 40th birthday party in Scotland where the client's backyard was transformed into a magical enchanted garden complete with gnomes and fairies!

A few more remarkable bits about Greg...
Ultimate Day: Spending time with his kids
Greg is passionate about: Photography and his children
Greatest challenge: Transporting and installing 32 tonnes of equipment onto to a 30ft pleasure cruiser in Capri, Italy
Love that artist: Stevie Wonder
Indulgence: Chocolate – Greg is very partial to a Double Decker!
Childhood wish: To be in the Marines, which is where he would be now, if he hadn't failed the medical due to a shattered kneecap
Favourite eats: Fish and chips and mushy peas

Click here to email Greg

David Godfrey

David is Head of Production and a director of Banana Split and is responsible for the production of all events including lighting, sound, staging and entertainment and has been with the company for 10 years.

Known for his unrivalled technical knowledge and expertise both in the initial planning stages of the event and particularly on site. He is totally committed to the job and his experience and relationships with key suppliers earns him the undisputed respect he deserves within the industry.

David loves the demands that each new, exciting project brings, no matter how challenging and he candidly admits he still gets excited when a new event is confirmed even after so many years in the business. He believes the ingredients for a great party are the guests - after all there would be no party without the people.

A few more remarkable bits about David...
Ultimate day: Getting on a plane and heading somewhere hot
David is passionate about: His family and flying
Greatest challenge: 7 parties, over three days, on a remote island in the Maldives
Love that artist: Stevie Wonder
Indulgence: Sweets and chocolates
Childhood wish: To be a pilot – well he has his license so he's half way there!
Favourite eats: Steak and chips and Roast Beef

Click here to email David

Asger Hassuji

Asger has been with the company for 19 years and is both the company accountant and the longest serving member of Banana Split. After such a lengthy time, he admits that he loves working and interacting with vibrant and creative people – it keeps him young at heart! Colleagues joke that he is very protective of the company money and guards it like his own. Trying to recoup expenses from Asger is like going into battle! However he always does so with great grace and humour and always pays up!

A few more remarkable bits about Asger...
Ultimate day: Relaxing with a good book or watching a great film
Asgar is passionate about: Current Affairs
Love that artist: Marlon Brando and Dilip Kumar - Bollywood actor
Indulgence: Junk food
Childhood wish: To be a teacher
Favourite eats: Burgers and kebabs

Click here to email Asger

Kate Jade

Kate joined Banana Split in September 2010 following an administrative role at high street retailer Top Shop. Eager to learn about the party business, her interest led her to the position of Receptionist where she is also responsible for the important job of venue and novelty research and assisting the team when required.

Kate loves seeing the photos or video of events she has often contributed towards and understanding how it has unfolded from paper to the finished party.

A few more remarkable bits about Kate...
Ultimate day: With friends and a delicious cocktail
Kate is passionate about: Travelling, family and friends
Love that artist: Rhianna, David Guetta
Indulgence: Weekend at a top Spa Retreat
Childhood wish: To be a singer, surgeon and wedding planner, I thought I could juggle all three!
Favourite eats: Pasta with pesto and Chinese

Click here to email Kate

Marco Leao

Known by colleagues as 'Pork and Cheese' (he's Portuguese!), Marco is predominantly Julian's personal driver but he also assists the rest of the team when required. He joined Banana Split 8 years ago through a temporary agency assignment and has been behind the wheel ever since. Marco loves getting involved in the parties and helping the boys on the bigger events if they need an extra pair of hands, as well as chauffeuring artists and celebrities to and from venues which he sees as a great perk of the job! Marco's favourite party was a funky 40th in St Tropez with Kool and the Gang celebrating a good time!

A few more remarkable bits about Marco...
Ultimate day: Relaxing with his girlfriend and dogs
Marco is passionate about: Renovating a 1962 VW campervan
Greatest challenge: Getting Julian to meetings on time!
Love that artist: Lionel Richie and J-Lo
Indulgence: Tiramisu
Childhood wish: To be racing driver
Favourite eats: Sushi and sashimi

Click here to email Marco

Scott Malone

Scott has worked at Banana Split for 6 years and is the in-house Lighting Designer and Programmer. He had a keen interest in lighting when he left school and managed to secure work experience with the company, after which time he was offered a full time position. Scott loves the travelling involved in his job and working in a wide variety of locations and venues. Fortunately he enjoys being busy as there is never any time to twiddle his thumbs or be bored. Scott believes the secret to a wonderful party is imagination, music and of course great lighting!

A few more remarkable bits about Scott...
Ultimate Day: A holiday
Scott is Passionate about: Theatre, cinema and he is particularly fanatical about cars
Greatest achievement: Learning to operate and program all the lighting equipment which he now installs on his own! Well done Scotty!
Love that artist: Lionel Richie, J-Lo
Indulgence: Chocolate and sleep!
Childhood wish: To be a fireman or in the army
Favourite eats: Steak and chips

Click here to email Scott

Katie Mash

Katie is head of events, responsible for planning and creating memorable parties as well as managing the events team. Having worked at Banana Split for 7 years, she is both highly experienced and creative with a remarkable eye for detail.

The people, experiences and diversity that the job brings are factors that make it all worthwhile, as well as the sense of accomplishment she feels at the end of a party, when the many months of planning have paid off. Creating a stunning evening for her client brimming with lasting memories is her ultimate achievement.

Katie believes the secret to a brilliant party is a great crowd, great setting and obviously great party planner.

A few more remarkable bits about Katie...
Katie is passionate about: Her friends, family, good food, good music and sunshine
Greatest Challenge: Finding an 'A' list artist replacement with an hour until show time!
Love that artist: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin - all the Divas!
Indulgence: Guylian chocolates
Childhood wish: To be a lawyer, doctor or superstar (or party planner!)
Favourite eats: Cheesecake, Pavlova, Passion Fruit, Sticky Toffee Pudding and all things sweet!

Click here to email Katie

Julian Posner

Julian is Managing Director of Banana Split and is the creative genius behind the business. From humble beginnings as a DJ 30 years ago, he has travelled an incredible journey, successfully building up a reputation for providing the most stunning, stylish and unique parties worldwide.

With an effervescent and dynamic personality along with an unrivalled attention to detail and design, Julian believes that imagination has no limits. Whatever the challenge, he and his team can create a dazzling and inspirational party that will leave clients enthralled and their guests captivated. When it comes to artists and entertainment, he is a bit like the Martini Advert – 'Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere'!

The best part of his job is the end of the evening, watching the guests enjoy the party that he and his team have painstakingly and meticulously created. Julian unashamedly admits that the secret to a great party is …. himself of course!

Click here to email Julian

A few more remarkable bits about Julian...
Ultimate day: A stunning white beach, a long swim or dive in the ocean
Julian is passionate about: His three children
Greatest achievement: Climbing Base Camp Everest
Love that artist: Stevie Wonder and George Benson
Indulgence: Fast cars and music
Favourite eats: A cold glass of vintage champagne, Angela Hartnett's scrambled eggs with white alba truffles, rib of beef (La Chaumiere, Nice), passion fruit soufflé (Hotel de Paris, Monaco), and a bottle of great claret.
Childhood wish: To be a DJ and subsequently an interior designer

Hannah Rothwell

Hannah joined Banana Split 5 years ago and is a key member of the team, managing the important and varied roles of Artist Liaison for Events, Production Co-Ordinator and PA to David Godfrey.

Bubbly, charming and confident, Hannah loves the many different components that her job encompasses as well as travelling, experiencing new places and the fact that she is always exceptionally busy.

Known by colleagues for her incredible flair and ease at co-ordinating vital elements of an event, she has a remarkably positive and pro-active attitude particularly when faced with demanding situations.

Her most challenging role was organizing 120 acts at a celebrity party, ensuring each and every one of them was on and off stage at the correct time.

A few more remarkable bits about Hannah...
Ultimate Day: A wonder around town, breakfast, newspapers, random pubs
Hannah is passionate about: Travelling
Greatest achievement: Capri 2009
Love that artist: Prince, George Benson and Roberta Flack
Indulgence: Salty popcorn, early nights with a movie
Childhood wish: Olympic athlete or a part in Oliver, the musical
Favourite eats: Cheese platter and a good red wine

Click here to email Hannah

Ian Rothwell

Known by colleagues as 'Rothwell' or 'E', Ian is the Warehouse Manager and has been with Banana Split for 9 years. His appointment at Banana Split was more by fate than intention as he found himself parked behind a Banana Split van one day, took a note of the number and the rest as they say is history! Ian's greatest attribute (according to his fellow workers) is his most helpful attitude and the fact that he always says yes, whatever the question! A real diamond! And Ian's favourite part of the job? Watching client's reaction to the 'wow' factor when they first set foot in the room!

A few more remarkable bits about Ian...
Ultimate Day: Delicious breakfast in 'Deal Pier' in Kent, a museum, a magnificent lunch followed by an evening at a really cool night club
Ian is passionate about: Cooking and keeping fit
Greatest challenge: Losing a massive 6 stone!
Love that artist: Derren Brown
Indulgence: Cheese
Childhood wish: To be a cameraman on a 'holiday show'
Favorite eats: Mossiman's mushroom risotto washed down with a Mojito! Magic!

Click here to email Ian

Nayna Shah

Nayna has been with Banana Split for 8 years and works alongside Asger assisting him with the company bookkeeping. She is a quiet, diligent and considerate member of the team but nevertheless a very important one!

A few more remarkable bits about Nayna...
Ultimate day: Entertain friends and family.
Nayna is passionate about: Walking, watching TV and films
Love that artist: Bollywood actors
Indulgence: Cooking Indian food
Childhood wish: To be a banker or an accountant
Favourite eats: All vegetarian food, particularly Indian

Click here to email Nayna

Jamie Simon

Jamie is a Senior Event Planner and one of Banana Split's newest members of the team. Having spent many years specialising in corporate events he decided he wanted to venture into more exciting, unique and higher profile parties and thought it was time to 'play with the big boys'!

Creating a dynamic setting for a party sets the mood for the evening and Jamie believes that this, coupled with great entertainment and music, are the vital ingredients for a fantastic party. In Jamie's opinion, organizing an event is not just about the actual party, it is the excitement of seeing all elements of the jigsaw puzzle finally converging and watching the evening crescendo into an everlasting bank of fabulous memories for the client.

A few more remarkable bits about Jamie...
Ultimate day: Lazy breakfast and then a wonder around New York
Jamie is passionate about: Great design
Greatest Acheivement: Becoming a great daddy
Love that artist: Phillipe Starck
Indulgence: Trainers and anything with an apple logo
Childhood wish: To be a racing driver
Favourite eats: Proper American burger and scrambled eggs

Click here to email Jamie

Priya Thanki

Priya is our lovely Production Assistant. With a background in Stage Management, Priya wanted to utilise her skills in a less limiting role so took advantage of a work experience placement at Banana Split in 2009 which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was originally drawn to the company for their breath taking events and when she was invited back on a freelance basis she seized the opportunity. The team was so impressed with her organized and enthusiastic approach she was employed full time shortly afterwards.

The biggest test Priya has faced to date was a 5 day event in the Bahamas. Having only been on board for a few weeks she rose to the challenge admirably and remained calm, organised and always smiling even in the light of adversity.

Her favourite part of the job is liaising with so many different people who all play a major part is bringing an event to life.

A few more remarkable bits about Priya...
Ultimate day: Rambling around the streets and markets of London, followed by an evening of cocktails and dancing with friends
Greatest Acheivement: Graduating from a prestigious drama school and being brave enough to do a sky dive
Priya is passionate about: Spending time with family
Love that artist: Paulo Nutini
Indulgence: Monster Munch crisps
Childhood wish: To own an ice cream van
Favourite eats: Cheese board and a glass of wine

Click here to email Priya

Meena Varsani

Known by colleagues as 'Meena Moo', Meena calmly and efficiently juggles three very significant positions at Banana Slit; PA to MD Julian Posner, Office Manager and party planner! She joined the company as a temp 13 years ago and has been there ever since! Meena is considered a mother figure by the team and is the central source of all information within the company; whatever you need to know, Meena can always provide the answer!

While Meena points out that so much travelling with the job can be challenging, the upside is that there is never a dull moment and no working day is ever the same. She takes great pleasure in seeing clients over the moon at the end of a successful party, knowing all the pressure has been worthwhile!

A few more remarkable bits about Meena...
Ultimate Day: A 'child-free' spa week-end
Meena is passionate about: Her children and family and loves to entertain friends at home
Greatest Challenge: Finding a company in the most remote part of Scotland to deliver replacement crockery at an hour's notice – no sweat! Love that artist: Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Jamie Cullum, Ricky Martin
Indulgence: Chocolate and crisps
Childhood wish: To be a primary school teacher
Favourite eats: Wild mushroom risotto, pasta and all home cooked food

Click here to email Meena

Amy Velleman

Amy recently joined Banana Split as an event planner after 4 years at a company specializing in Corporate Events. With a strong desire to venture into a more unique and bespoke area of events, Amy seized the opportunity when a position became available through a chance meeting with one of the team.

Watching months of planning and preparation come to fruition on the night excites and motivates Amy. She loves to witness the end result of a beautifully created room set and the client’s reaction and delight at the first reveal. She also believes the ingredients for a successful party are good food and above all, a really fun crowd!

Her biggest challenge was shortly after her arrival when she was presented with the task of organizing a two day 40th birthday party six weeks later which proved a great success!

A few more remarkable bits about Amy...
Ultimate Day: Lying on a beach with a refreshing cocktail
Amy is passionate about: Performing Arts
Greatest Challenge: A counsellor for 3 months for teenagers at Camp America
Love that artist: Bruno Mars
Indulgence: Anything with caffeine
Childhood wish: To be a West End performer
Favourite eats: Chinese

Click here to email Amy