Stamford, CT – Centerplate CEO Desmond Hague has resigned following a social media uproar after a surveillance video showed him roughing up a dog while riding in an elevator in Vancouver in late July.
Hague’s position was filled by COO Chris Verros, who has been with the company for 35 years and has been COO since 2010.
The video showed Hague delivering a pair of kicks to the ribs of the dog, a young Doberman pinscher, and then jerking hard on the leash. It was not clear what prompted the incident. By yesterday, over 180,000 signatures had been gathered by animal lovers and sports fans, calling for Hague to be fired, while social media lit up with threats of boycotts to sports venues serviced by Centerplate. (Click on the hashtag #DesHague on Twitter).
“We do not condone nor would we ever overlook the abuse of animals,” said board Chairman Joe McDonnell. “Following an extended review of the incident involving Mr. Hague, I would like to apologize for the distress that this situation has caused to so many.”
Centerplate is a major provider of in-house catering services at 250 U.S. convention centers, stadiums and other public venues.
Reach Chris Verros at (508) 339-1313 or chris.verros@centerplate.com
