Centerplate CEO resigns following video showing dog abuse

The CEO of Centerplate, Safeco Field’s catering company, has stepped down from his position after an outcry over a video that allegedly showed him abusing a dog.

Desmond Hague resigned Tuesday morning, a week after the video of him apparently kicking a dog last month in Vancouver, BC, surfaced.

In the video, Hague is seen in the elevator at the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia in July repeatedly kicking a small Doberman Pinscher. The man also picks the dog up by the leash.

SeattleDogSpot said that hotel employees reported the incident to British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which said this may not be the first time that dog has been mistreated.

Two BC SPCA officers entered a Vancouver, B.C. condo following the reported incident and found a Doberman Pinscher puppy in a crate with food and water bowls out of reach. The dog was surrounded by the smell of its own urine, according to The Vancouver Sun. SPCA has custody of the dog.

Centerplate provides the food at Safeco Field, and since the video surfaced the Mariners said they would donate a portion of their concession sales through September to the Humane Society.

Late last week, Hague pledged $100,000 to charity and agreed to 1,000 hours of community service.

Hague still faces possible animal cruelty charges in British Columbia.

The full statement from Centerplate’s Board of Directors:

Centerplate Announces Leadership Change
Chris Verros Named Acting President and CEO Following Resignation of Desmond Hague

Centerplate’s board of directors announced today that Chris Verros has been appointed to the role of acting president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, following the resignation of Desmond Hague from the company. The decision comes as a result of Hague’s personal misconduct involving the mistreatment of an animal in his care.

“We want to reiterate that we do not condone nor would we ever overlook the abuse of animals,” said Joe O’Donnell, chairman of the board of directors for Centerplate. “Following an extended review of the incident involving Mr. Hague, I’d like to apologize for the distress that this situation has caused to so many; but also thank our employees, clients and guests who expressed their feelings about this incident. Their voices helped us to frame our deliberations during this very unusual and unfortunate set of circumstances.”

Chris Verros assumes the new role with more than 35 years of experience and a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected leaders. Chief Operating Officer for Centerplate since 2010, he helped the company to achieve unprecedented growth. Prior to joining Centerplate, Verros was Executive Vice President of Boston Culinary Group and previously served as a Group President of Fine Host Corporation, following the 1993 acquisition of FanFare, Inc., a company he co-founded in 1986.

“I have been proud to work with Chris for more than 20 years, and feel that Centerplate is incredibly fortunate to have such a strong leader who can step into the role immediately,” O’Donnell added, “This past week has been very difficult for our company, our employees and our clients in particular, and I have no doubt that Chris’ experience, vision, integrity, and commitment to our values and mission will help us all move forward together.”