Joseph O'Donnell, Chairman

As the founder and chairman of Boston Culinary Group, Inc.  Joe’s leadership, vision and industry expertise provided the guiding force behind the company’s success. Now as Centerplate’s Chairman, he will bring his expansive knowledge of guest preferences, intellect and proven record of innovation to bear as we achieve our objective in being #1 in hospitality.

A Harvard graduate who later served as the Associate Dean of Students for the Harvard Business School MBA program, he received the School’s most distinguished honor, the Alumni Achievement Award, for his community and philanthropic efforts.  Inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame for his extraordinary dedication to the hospitality industry, Mr. O’Donnell’s richly diverse business and civic relationships will lend incomparable value to Centerplate’s strategic growth initiatives.

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.

George Wooten, Executive Vice President, Operations

George brings 30 years of food service and franchise experience to Centerplate, having begun his career as an hourly employee at a fast food restaurant and rising to become a top executive for one of the nation’s largest grocery chains. His accomplishments include serving as Group Vice President for Safeway, Chief Executive Officer for the Safeway Restaurant Group, Senior Vice President at Quiznos and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SYBRA, Arby’s second largest franchisee. As Centerplate’s Executive Vice President, Operations, George is responsible for leading and directing all of Centerplate’s operational systems and processes to consistently E³ Execute Extraordinary Experiences for guests while increasing Returns for clients.

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, Senior Vice President, Marketing

Bob serves as the Senior Vice President of Marketing 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 food service to drive the business success of sports, convention and entertainment facilities. With Centerplate, Bob has conducted extensive research into fan attitudes, perceptions and behavior to develop successful hospitality strategies that build brands, foster fan loyalty and generate incremental sales at sport venues. 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 & 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.

Chris Verros, Executive Vice President, New Business Development

With over 20 years of sports, entertainment, and convention foodservice operations experience, Chris is recognized as one of the strongest executives in the industry.  His leadership positions include serving as the President of Boston Culinary Group’s premium services division, President of Fine Host’s recreation and leisure services, and Executive Vice President of FanFare.  Throughout his illustrious career, he has led operations at virtually every type of venue and situation imaginable.
 

Chris is an active member of the hospitality industry and has been an allied member of the International Association of Auditorium Managers (IAAM) since 1993. Additionally, he was recently appointed to the board of directors for the National Association of Concessionaires where his depth of industry experience will offer this group insightful perspective on trends and opportunities.

Michael Kaufman-Co-President, Enovo Restaurant Ventures

John Sergi-Chief Design Officer

For more than two decades, John’s thoughtful conceptual designs have proven successful in building brands, fostering fan loyalty and generating incremental sales at some of the world’s best-known venues.  He has played a critical role in developing the guest experience at the New York Mets’ Citifield, the USTA’s US Open, Wembley Stadium and many others.   As Chief Design Officer, John performs deep-dive analyses of Centerplate's partner-venues to determine strategic opportunities to enhance their hospitality platforms.  His innovative approach drives ticket sales, event bookings, and sponsorships-all in reinforcement of a client's brand identity and returns.