Des Hague, President and CEO

Des’ experience in the upper-echelons of foodservice management is unparalleled. Prior to taking on the role of President and CEO of Centerplate, Des was the President of IHOP Restaurants, a division of DineEquity, Inc., the largest full-service restaurant company in the world. Before joining IHOP, he was President of the Foodservice Division for Safeway, a nationwide grocer with 1,775 locations across North America. In addition, Des was the Chief Executive Officer of Hot Stuff Foods, a leading provider of turnkey foodservice solutions to convenience stores. Des has also held management positions within 7-Eleven, Inc., Pizza Hut and Whitbread PLC. With his extensive background, broad-based industry experience and commitment to fostering an extraordinary guest experience, Des deftly guides Centerplate’s continued growth and development.

Kevin McNamara, EVP, Chief Financial & Administration Officer

Kevin understands global business. Prior to his position as Centerplate’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administration Officer, Kevin was a finance executive with multinational Procter & Gamble, overseeing the corporation’s $5 billion Global Grooming Business. Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer for Oral B Laboratories operations in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Kevin’s extensive financial experience and strong business acumen contribute to Centerplate’s continued fiscal accomplishments.

Chris Verros, Chief Operating Officer

With over 25 years of sports, entertainment, and convention hospitality operations experience, Chris is recognized as one of the strongest executives in the industry.  Prior to joining Centerplate, he held senior leadership positions at the Boston Culinary Group, Fine Host, and FanFare.  Over the course of his career, he has held nearly every position imaginable in venue operations and he has created a solid track record of success.  In his current position Chris oversees all of the company's venue operations as well as its new business development efforts and promotions and retail merchandise functions.

Hadi K. Monavar, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning

A true visionary with an aptitude for long-range planning, Hadi is an enterprising, results-oriented executive who seeks significant return on investment for both Centerplate and our clients. With more than 20 years experience across Centerplate’s multi-faceted business operations, Hadi’s expertise helps create strong business alliances, wise investment decisions and implementation of state-of-the-art financial and accounting systems. His high professional standards and incisive approach to evaluating business opportunities underscore Centerplate’s strategic growth initiatives. 

A respected executive with a richly diverse business background in banking, financial planning, risk management, accounting and investments, Hadi has a keen interest in the evolution of the hospitality industry.

Bob Pascal, Chief Marketing Officer

Bob serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Centerplate. In this role, he oversees the company’s branding, marketing, advertising and corporate public relations efforts. He is an ardent believer in the power of hospitaly to drive the business success of sports, convention and entertainment facilities. With Centerplate, Bob has conducted extensive research into guest attitudes, perceptions and behavior to develop successful hospitality strategies that build brands, foster loyalty and generate incremental sales. Prior to joining Centerplate in 2004, Bob spent 10 years in marketing positions in the consumer packaged goods and financial services industries. 

Keith B. W. King, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Keith joins Centerplate from DineEquity, Inc, and brings more than 15 years of experience and a strong legal background to our company. Previously associate general counsel at DineEquity, Inc., Keith successfully managed its in-house legal team and nationwide counsel introducing innovative business tactics to achieve revenue-enhancing objectives. His high profile background also includes the $2.1 billion acquisition of Applebee’s International in 2007.  Keith is a member of Centerplate’s executive team. He serves as general counsel, responsible for corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, business and legal affairs. Keith is a former member of the U.S. Speedskating Team. His depth of experience supports and enhances Centerplate’s strategic business objectives.

Michael Kaufman-Co-President, Enovo Restaurant Ventures