Charles Hayes
About Charles Hayes
Charles Hayes is an Executive Managing Director and Partner at IDEO, currently based in Shanghai. He has a diverse background in design, consulting, and education, with notable roles at IDEO, Deloitte, and Price Waterhouse, and has received recognition for his contributions to innovation and creativity.
Current Role at IDEO
Charles Hayes serves as the Executive Managing Director for Asia and Partner at IDEO, a position he has held since 2016 in Shanghai. In this role, he oversees various initiatives and strategic projects within the Asian market, leveraging his extensive experience in design and management consulting.
Previous Experience at IDEO
Hayes has a significant history with IDEO, having worked in multiple capacities. He was the Portfolio Director from 2008 to 2012 and later served as the Managing Director for China from 2012 to 2016, both positions based in Shanghai. Additionally, he briefly worked as a Project Lead in London in 2008.
Educational Background
Hayes holds a Master of Arts in Narrative Environments from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts London, which he completed from 2003 to 2005. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, along with a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Management from The Wharton School, both completed in 1994.
Recognition and Awards
In 2014, Charles Hayes was recognized by Fast Company China magazine as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business. He received the Magnolia Silver Award in 2021 for his outstanding contributions as a foreign citizen in Shanghai. Additionally, he was appointed as a World Industrial Innovative Technology Cooperation National Advisor by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in 2020.
Engagement in Design and Innovation
Hayes is actively involved in design thinking and innovation. He has been studying at Stanford University, focusing on design thinking through the d.School's Executive Education program since 2017. He is also a founding member of the Lead a Creative China executive education program in collaboration with Tsinghua University.