Author| Speaker| 9x CEO| 20x Board Member| Advisor| Investor in 50+ companies| Operating Partner | Married and Father of 2| Feeder of 1 Pine Marten|Stamford, Connecticut, United States | Visit Des Hague's website
Key Takeaways
- Resilience and Learning
- Hague’s journey reflects the resilience to turn challenges into learning experiences, emerging stronger and wiser.
- Strategic Vision
- From Centerplate to TurboChef, 7-Eleven, and Nebula9 Spirits, Hague consistently demonstrates a visionary approach, shaping industries with bold ideas.
- Community Engagement
- His commitment to community impact and philanthropy sets a compelling example for leaders globally.
Journey
In the dynamic landscape of global business, there are leaders whose stories not only resonate but inspire. Des Hague, an accomplished executive, author, and speaker, stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to positive change.
Early Career and Foundation
Des Hague’s journey began with iconic brands such as Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, Whitbread, and Turbochef/Maytag. His early experiences in the Pizza Hut Management Program and instrumental roles in opening PepsiCo Operations in Europe laid the groundwork for his future leadership prowess.
Turbochef/Maytag: Launching a Global Brand
At TurboChef, Hague led the development and commercialization of TurboChef, a revolutionary cooking solution that now powers many global restaurant and hospitality companies.
Leading IHOP, the World’s Largest Family Dining Chain
Hague was responsible for leading the IHOP brand and quickly reversing a sales decline, outperforming all competitors.
Operating Partner Role with Kohlberg
Des Hague played a significant role as an Operating Partner/Advisor with Kohlberg from 2004 to 2014, contributing to strategic decisions and guidance.
Advisory Roles: Guiding Innovation
His influence extends beyond CEO roles. Hague’s strategic advisory roles with companies like Ikoniq, MRGN, and YoungCaruso showcase his commitment to fostering innovation and disruptive solutions.
Safeway and the Power of Innovation
At Safeway, Hague served as President of Corporate Perishables, responsible for a $20 billion perishables business. His innovative approaches, such as the introduction of a meal zone solution, not only boosted sales but showcased his ability to lead stable teams toward strategic goals.
Centerplate: Scaling Heights in Hospitality
As President and CEO of Centerplate, Inc., Hague achieved remarkable success. Leading the company to become North America’s largest event hospitality business, he operated in over 40 US states, Canada, and Europe. His tenure saw the doubling of business through acquisitions, and the creation of the Centerplate Cares program, raising over $100 million for not-for-profit causes.
VIPER EA: Fueling Game-Changing Acceleration
Hague’s impact continued at VIPER EA, where he served as President and CEO. In just three years, he increased the enterprise value to $100 million, demonstrating his knack for fueling game-changing enterprise acceleration.
Nebula9 Spirits: Shaping the Future of Spirits
Currently, as the Co-Founder and CEO of Nebula9 Spirits, Hague is on a mission to reshape the spirits category. His visionary approach is reflected in the launch of a cosmically good potato vodka-based cocktail, For All HumanKind, designed to fuel fun and enhance lifestyles.
Community Impact and Awards
Beyond boardrooms, Hague is deeply involved in community initiatives, raising over a hundred million for worthy causes. His leadership has garnered awards, with a special emphasis on being a force for good in cities like Baltimore, Toronto, Vancouver, California, and Connecticut.
5 Leadership Lessons
- Dream Big: Hague’s philosophy is clear—dream big, for in dreaming, one sets the stage for significant achievements.
- Innovation is Key: Embrace innovation, as seen in his roles at VIPER EA and Nebula9 Spirits, to drive transformative change.
- Community Matters: Leaders should actively contribute to their communities, creating positive, lasting impacts.
- Adaptability: Hague’s diverse roles showcase adaptability, a crucial trait in navigating the complexities of business.
- Learning from Setbacks: Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge more resilient.
Editorial Notes
Des Hague’s journey is a compelling narrative of leadership, innovation, and community impact. His story inspires us not just to succeed in business but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As we reflect on his experiences, it’s evident that true leadership goes beyond boardrooms—it’s about shaping a better world for everyone.
