As president and chief executive officer of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Christopher (Chris) Ilitch leads the Ilitch companies, spanning some of the world's best-known brands in food, sports and entertainment, and real estate development. Together, these businesses employ thousands of people, positively transform communities through entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and create unforgettable moments that bring individuals, families, and fans together.
Over his 34-year career, 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, community-minded development, and products and services that bring people joy."
In addition to serving as president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Chris holds positions at each of the Ilitch companies, including as governor, president and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings, chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers and as a member of MotorCity Casino Hotel's management committee. Other Ilitch companies include Little Caesars, Little Caesars Fundraising, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Olympia Development of Michigan, Tenda, and 313 Presents, a joint venture between the Ilitch organization and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. In addition, the Ilitch organization, through an affiliate, acquired a 50% ownership interest and is manager of in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2021. The other 50% is controlled by Luxor Capital Group, LP.
Chris oversees both business and hockey operations decisions for the Detroit Red Wings. Following the 2018-19 season, Chris welcomed Steve Yzerman back to the Red Wings as executive vice president and general manager, tabbing Detroit's former captain as the 11th general manager in franchise history. Yzerman and his team are actively restocking the team with young talent and select free agents, striving to bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit. Under Ilitch ownership, the Red Wings have won 16 divisional championships, six President's Trophies, six Campbell Bowls, qualified for the playoffs in 25-consecutive seasons from 1991-2016 and won four Stanley Cups.
Chris is actively engaged in the community as Chairman of Ilitch Charities, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Ilitch companies, the organization's colleagues and owners, and Ilitch foundations have donated more than $235 million to worthy causes, have served over 5 million meals to those in need, and have donated thousands of volunteer hours in support of community programs and organizations.
Beyond his work at the Ilitch companies and Ilitch Charities, Chris serves on the Board of Governors for the National Hockey League as well as the Executive, Economic Reform, On Field, and Legislative Affairs committees of Major League Baseball. He also serves on the board and executive committees for Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Economic Club, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He is also an advisory board member of the Harvard Kennedy School Taubman Center for State and Local Government. He 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 Major League Baseball All-Star game (chair).
A graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, Chris is a proud father of three and resides with his wife Kelle and their children in metro Detroit.