Charles Hayes

Charles Hayes is the Executive Managing Director of Asia and a Partner at IDEO, based in Shanghai, China. In this role, he is responsible for driving the growth of IDEO's business across the Asia region, which includes guiding innovation programs for clients, providing strategic advisory to executive teams, and building creative teams and new ventures. His work spans various sectors, including education, urbanization, and consumer experiences, collaborating with notable clients such as The North Face, Coca-Cola, and Vans.13

Hayes has a strong background in consulting and entrepreneurship, having worked extensively in Asia for over a decade. He is recognized for his contributions to creativity and design, receiving the Magnolia Silver Award in 2021 for his outstanding impact in Shanghai. Additionally, he is a founding member of the "Lead a Creative China" executive education program in partnership with Tsinghua University, which focuses on integrating design and creativity into business strategies.124

His leadership extends to global platforms, as he has served on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on China and as an advisor for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Hayes is also noted for his recognition as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business" by Fast Company China in 2014 and as a First Movers Fellow by The Aspen Institute in 2016.14

Outside of his professional endeavors, he is an avid motorcycle rider and engages in the metaverse as an amateur NFT gamer and blockchain advocate.1