Centerplate CEO, who kicked dog in elevator, resigns

Desmond Hague, the beleaguered chief executive officer of Centerplate caught on video abusing a dog in a Vancouver elevator, resigned today.

The news follows last week’s reprimand by the multibillion-dollar sports catering company’s board ordering Hague to donate US$100,000 towards building a foundation to support the protection and safety of animals in Vancouver and commit to 1,000 hours of community service related to animal rights.

Chris Verros, COO of the company since 2010, will take on the role of acting president and CEO in his place.

In a release sent to Yahoo from Centerplate, Joe O’Donnell, chairman of the board of directors for the company says the decision came as a result of Hague’s mistreatment of Sade, the year-old female Doberman pinscher Hague was looking after for a friend.

“We want to reiterate that we do not condone nor would we ever overlook the abuse of animals,” said O’Donnell. “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.”

The B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – which initially received the tape from a member of the public and kicked off the investigation into Hague – is still lobbying for criminal charges.

Under the weight of public scrutiny, Hague released a statement apologizing for the incident saying it was “out of character”.

“Unfortunately, I acted inappropriately and I am deeply sorry for that and am grateful that no harm was caused to the animal,” he said.