Who is Who
Des Hague is an accomplished investor, operator, author, and nine-time CEO known for transforming global brands and driving extraordinary value creation. A champion of second chances and a lifelong advocate for lifting others up, he has led major turnarounds, built industry-defining ventures, and served on more than twenty boards. As Founder of The Thinking Academy and Co-Founder of Hague Enterprises, Des continues empowering leaders, inspiring growth, and shaping organizations with purpose and conviction.
A Life Driven by Lifting Others Up
Long before Des Hague became a nine-time CEO, board member for more than twenty companies, and advisor to high-growth ventures, he was a young man learning to navigate hardship, hunger, and homelessness. The adversity of his early life did not break him; it built him. It sharpened his resolve, shaped his leadership philosophy, and cultivated the mindset he carries today: lift others up, always. It is a belief that now defines his work, his relationships, and the legacy he continues to build across industries.
Those who have worked closely with him often describe him as “a walking, breathing supernova,” a leader whose energy, passion, and conviction ignite entire organizations. That high-intensity leadership style did not emerge from comfort. It was forged in the fires of second chances, courageous decisions, and a relentless pursuit of possibilities even when the world said no.
“When you refuse to let adversity define you, you become unstoppable.”
Foundations of a Visionary Leader
Des Hague’s professional journey began with iconic brands including Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, Whitbread, and Maytag TurboChef. These early experiences shaped his operational instincts and revealed his ability to drive meaningful change. While still early in his career, he launched a personal “Second Chance” program at Pizza Hut, offering employment to individuals returning from incarceration and looking to rebuild their lives.
This decision was not popular at the time. When the restaurant was broken into, many urged him to abandon the program. Instead, Des expanded it, worked side by side with the participants, and watched several rise to supervisory roles. It became one of the proudest achievements in his life.
“Leadership is not convenient. It is a responsibility to lift others, especially when it is difficult.”
Early on, mentors and colleagues saw the spark of something unusual in him. During the difficult aftermath of 9/11, a colleague urged him to reclaim the larger-than-life presence that inspired so many. That moment rekindled his focus and reminded him of the leader he was meant to be. From then on, Des would move forward with clarity and conviction.
The Ascent: Building and Transforming Global Brands
TurboChef and the Power of Culinary Innovation
At TurboChef/Maytag, Des played a central role in commercializing breakthrough speed-cooking technology that reshaped how the restaurant and hospitality industries approached efficiency and quality. Culinary leaders credited him for bringing innovation to life with both strategy and enthusiasm.
IHOP: A Turnaround Fueled by Bold Leadership
As President of IHOP, Des quickly reversed declining sales and restored momentum. Those who worked with him recalled his ability to articulate a clear vision, challenge outdated thinking, and build strong internal alignment.
“He set goals that seemed lofty until he moved the team to surpass them every single time.”
Safeway: Innovating at Scale
During his time as President of Corporate Perishables at Safeway, Des oversaw a twenty billion dollar operation. His innovations, including the meal zone solution, increased sales and revitalized the perishables business. Colleagues remarked on his rare combination of strategic foresight and genuine compassion for people.
7 Eleven: Redefining What a Convenience Brand Could Be
At 7 Eleven, Des reshaped the brand’s fresh food strategy and built partnerships that changed perceptions of what convenience stores could offer. His energy and creativity left a permanent mark on the company’s culture.
Centerplate: Transforming a Company and an Industry
When Des took over as President and CEO of Centerplate, the organization was under pressure, facing contract terminations and doubts from competitors and the media. Many predicted its decline.
Des saw possibility instead of defeat.
He insisted on honoring agreements, reinforced operational discipline, elevated food quality, and focused intensely on customer experience. He also launched the Centerplate Cares program, which raised over one hundred million dollars for philanthropic and community initiatives.
Under his leadership, Centerplate grew into North America’s largest event hospitality company. It operated in more than forty states, Canada, and Europe, employed over forty thousand people, and delivered the largest private equity return in Kohlberg’s history at the time of sale. Along the way, Centerplate earned awards such as Best Food and Beverage by Convene Magazine and the number one NFL experience by Stadium Journey.
One colleague expressed his experience this way: “Des makes every project better simply by being involved. His passion is unmatched.”
Another described Des as “a leader whose charisma and conviction lift entire teams.”
Des also expanded Juma Ventures into major stadiums across the country, giving thousands of at-risk youth meaningful employment and the chance to build a brighter future. He considers this one of the greatest highlights of his life.
VIPER EA and Nebula9 Spirits: Scaling Possibility
After Centerplate, Des served as President and CEO of VIPER EA, dramatically increasing the company’s enterprise value to one hundred million dollars in just three years. The twenty-fold growth reflected his instinct for building profitable, scalable organizations.
He later co-founded nebula9 Spirits and launched a premium vodka-based ready-to-drink cocktail designed to reshape the spirits category. His mission was to create something memorable, fun, and cosmically good for all humankind.
Entrepreneurship, Investment, and The Thinking Academy
Today, Des is the co-founder of Hague Enterprises LLC, where he has invested in more than twenty companies and served in leadership roles across industries. His board positions include Green Giant Fresh, Rä Foods, IKONIQ, ITATU, and Happy Clinic Skincare. He is also an advisor to Fat Tuesday and multiple private equity firms specializing in turnarounds and high-growth ventures.
As Founder and CEO of The Thinking Academy, Des leads a platform designed to help individuals develop sharper thinking, better decision-making skills, and stronger leadership abilities. He believes that in an age of noise and uncertainty, the ability to think clearly is a critical advantage.
“In a world where everyone talks, the ones who think are the ones who rise.”
The Academy features world-class Thought Sherpas, including globally acclaimed leadership coach Marcia Martin.
A Philosophy Shaped by Resilience
Des Hague’s leadership philosophy is built on resilience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to community. Themes that run through his posts and teachings include conviction, second chances, clarity, courage, and service. He often emphasizes the power of believing in oneself despite setbacks and choosing the harder right over the easier wrong.
Colleagues across decades describe him as visionary, charismatic, courageous, strategic, and compassionate. Many note that his presence alone can energize a team.
“He sets the standard by which I measure every leader I have worked with since,” said one executive.
Another shared, “Des lifted me up when I could not do it for myself. He changed my life.”
Life Beyond Leadership
Away from business, Des leads an active and adventurous life. He competes in Spartan races, hikes challenging mountain peaks, strength trains, and explores the outdoors. He enjoys cigars, good books, and evenings watching movies with his wife, Carol. He treasures time with his sons, their spouses, and his grandchildren, bringing the same dedication to family that he brings to business.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Des Hague’s journey is not merely a story of titles, achievements, and turnarounds. It is a story of possibility, courage, generosity, and impact. It is a reminder that leadership is not about power but about responsibility to others. It is about making hard decisions when the world pressures you to take the easy way out. And it is about lifting others even when it is inconvenient.
His signature closing captures the spirit of his life and leadership.
