The Lions announced Wednesday that Richard Haddad will be the team’s president and CEO.
Haddad, who comes to the Lions after 14 years with Pistons Sports and Entertainment (PSE) and the Detroit Pistons, takes over a role that will be left behind by Rod Wood, who announced his intentions to retire earlier this year.
“Rich is a proven leader who understands what it means to steward an iconic sports franchise in the city of Detroit, and we are thrilled that he is bringing that experience to the Lions,” Lions principal owner and chair Sheila Hamp said in a statement.
“Throughout our process, Rich’s experience, steady leadership style, and grasp on the present and future state of team sports were clear differentiators. My family and I are excited to work with Rich on driving the Lions forward in our continued pursuit to bring a championship to Detroit.”
Haddad, the chief operating officer of PSE, fulfills the organization’s desire for a candidate that could help oversee the business aspects of the team. The release notes that Haddad “brings extensive experience building strategic partnerships and working with community, business and government leaders in the city of Detroit and throughout Michigan.”
Haddad, who grew up in Adrian, has been the COO of PSE since 2022. According to the release, Haddad oversaw business operations, affairs, and development for the Pistons and all PSE companies and collaborated with basketball operations. He also represents PSE in 313 Presents as a board member and is credited with helping bring the Pistons back to Detroit from Auburn Hills and leading the Pistons’ efforts to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit.
“As a lifelong Lions fan, I understand firsthand how much this team means to this city and state, and I’m honored and humbled to lead this franchise,” Haddad said in a statement. “Sheila, Rod, (general manager) Brad (Holmes), and (head coach) Dan (Campbell) have built an incredible foundation, and I can’t wait to work with them to build on that and deliver for our fans and our community.”
According to the release, Wood will remain with the Lions as Haddad completes his transition from the Pistons to the Lions. The full timeline of the transition is not immediately known.
Haddad was selected by a committee of Hamp, Wood, Lions vice chairman Bill Ford, senior football advisor to ownership Chris Spielman and chief people and inclusion officer Lindsay Verstegen following a “national search process” in collaboration with advisory firm Russell Reynolds, according to the statement,
Haddad earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and a law degree at Columbia. He was named to Sports Business Journal’s “40 under 40” sports business executives in 2022 and serves on the board for Midtown Detroit Inc., The Cranbrook Academy of Art and Cranbrook Art Museum and the Children’s Foundation.
Pistons owner Tom Gores said in the statement that he is “incredibly grateful” for Haddad’s “leadership” and “impact” over his tenure.
“(PSE vice chairman) Arn (Tellem) and I have especially appreciated his steady counsel, integrity and commitment,” Gores said. “Rich has been an outstanding leader and trusted partner in so many of our efforts to make a positive difference in the community.”
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions name Pistons COO Richard Haddad as team’s new president, CEO
Reporting by Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
