Charles Hayes

Charles is managing director, China and Asia regional director at IDEO. As a senior brand strategist, Charles is passionate about and experienced in helping businesses in Asia develop strategies for growth and global impact. Based in Shanghai, Charles travels extensively in Asia and globally, working with clients across industries to deliver innovation through world-class consumer experiences. His experience spans multiple industries including energy, technology, fashion, sports, hospitality, luxury goods, and consumer electronics, and clients include TCL, Vans, Wrangler, and The North Face.

Prior to joining IDEO, Charles worked for more than a decade in consulting, advertising, and architecture to deliver consumer experiences for clients around the globe. Clients he worked with included Adidas, Hilton Hotels, Major League Baseball, Procter & Gamble, and Volkswagen. Charles has a strong entrepreneurial background. He has participated in the successful initial public offering of an internet start-up, launched his own venture-funded well-being business, and built the interactive brand and marketing arm of a digital agency.

Charles finds inspiration in regularly engaging audiences in discussions on brand, design and innovation. He is an experienced speaker and has spoken at many events and forums including the Taiwan International Branding Forum 2011, Gamania Global Summit Taipei & Guest Speaker Series, and the Lycra Moves event by INVISTA in Barcelona. He has also been invited to give talks at companies and academic institutions including Kipling China, VF Corporation, InBev, Li & Fung, CEIBS (China Europe International Business School), Wharton Business School, and the University of California.

He holds degrees from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and Central Saint Martins College at the University of the Arts, London, where he was also an associate lecturer.