Christopher Ilitch
CEO, Ilitch Companies

Chris Ilitch is the chief executive officer of Ilitch Companies, spanning some of the world's best-known brands in food, sports, entertainment, and other industries.

Together, these businesses employ thousands of people around the world, positively transform communities through entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and create unforgettable moments that bring individuals, families, and fans together.

Following a highly successful transition to the second generation of leadership under his guidance, Chris has remained steadfast in his vision that all Ilitch companies have a powerful capacity to improve lives. “We're proud to create opportunities for people across the globe through meaningful careers, small business ownership, and products and services that bring people joy.”

True to Mike and Marian Ilitch's entrepreneurial spirit that serves as the foundation of the organization, Chris leads with a focus on planning, innovation, and the pursuit of new opportunities. This approach has resulted in revenue increasing more than 600% at Ilitch Companies since he became CEO in 2004, outperforming the S&P 500 over the same time.

In addition to serving as president and CEO of Ilitch Companies, Chris serves as chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers, as governor, president and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings, and as a member of MotorCity Casino Hotel's management committee.

Chris is actively engaged in the community as Chairman of Ilitch Companies Foundation and its affiliates, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.

Ilitch Companies, the organization's colleagues and owners, and Ilitch foundations have donated more than $275 million to worthy causes in recent years, served over 7 million meals to those in need, and donated thousands of volunteer hours in support of community programs and organizations.

Beyond his work at Ilitch Companies and Ilitch Companies Foundation, Chris also serves on the Economic Reform, Audit (chair), DEI, and Legislative Affairs committees of Major League Baseball. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Governors for the National Hockey League as well as the Strategic Planning & Innovation and Media & Content Committees.

Chris also serves on the board and executive committees for Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Economic Club, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership.

Chris has served on host/hospitality committees for the NCAA Men's Frozen Four Hockey Championship (co-chair), the NCAA Final Four Men's Basketball Tournament, Super Bowl XL, and the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star game (chair). He also served as the 2023 Senior Corporate Chair for the 68th Annual Detroit Branch NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.

A graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, Chris is the proud father of three children.