Centerplate substitute boss appointed permanently

Foodservice firm Centerplate's acting president and chief executive Chris Verros has been given the job permanently.

The caterer's board of directors voted unanimously on the decision to make the appointment.

Verros had served as chief operating officer (COO) at the global hospitality company since 2010. He stepped up to be acting president and chief executive in September when his predecessor Des Hague was forced to resign after being caught kicking a puppy on CCTV.

Joe O'Donnell, chairman of the Centerplate board of directors, said they were pleased to choose Verros to lead the $1b (£625m) company through its next phase of growth.

"Through his leadership over the past two months as the acting president and chief executive officer of Centerplate, as well as his extraordinary track record of integrity and success in all of his prior roles, Chris has demonstrated a remarkable ability to create positive and lasting growth whilst fostering an environment of trust and respect," he said.

During his tenure as COO, Verros was responsible for overseeing the delivery of the company's operations and 45,000 employees. The company said it achieved unprecedented revenue growth in that period, adding more than 75 entertainment venues, stadiums and convention centres to its client portfolio.

The company also completed the acquisition of the Lindley Group in 2013, expanding its reach into the UK market for the first time.

Verros said it was an honour to serve Centerplate in the new role, adding: "The past five years has been a remarkable period of success and growth, in which we have made tremendous strides in leading the event and venue hospitality industry.

"I am proud to represent the Centerplate team, where we continually strive to make it better to be there for our guests at thousands of events across North America and Europe. I look forward to the exciting future ahead."

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