STAMFORD, Conn., -Centerplate, the leading hospitality provider to North America's premier sports stadiums and convention centers, announced today the hiring of John Sergi as Chief Design Officer. Sergi brings more than twenty-five years of sports hospitality strategy design experience to Centerplate. His accomplishments include designing and executing food service strategies for some of the most iconic sports venues in the world including the New York Mets' Citi Field, the USTA's US Open, Wembley Stadium, the Sony Ericsson Open and many others. His thoughtful, conceptual designs have proven successful in building brands, fostering fan loyalty and generating incremental sales.

As Chief Design Officer, Sergi will perform a deep-dive analysis of Centerplate's portfolio to determine strategic opportunities within its partner-venues and 'reconcept' their hospitality platforms — including menu offerings, styles of preparation and presentation, and a heightened attention to service.

"We are excited and fortunate to add John Sergi to our senior leadership team. His success in designing food service operations to drive brand equity in the sports and entertainment sector is without parallel.  He is an ideal addition to our team of experts to support Centerplate's mission of becoming number one in hospitality," said Des Hague, CEO of Centerplate.

The news follows the company's recent merger with the Boston Culinary Group and a month of hosting several premier events including an exclusive dinner at the James Beard Foundation, all four NFL Divisional Playoff games, both NFL Conference Championships, the 2010 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl XLIV.  Centerplate is also a hospitality partner for significant portions of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver including the opening and closing ceremonies.