The Detroit Lions just dropped some serious news on Wednesday, naming Richard Haddad as their new team president and CEO, and this guy barely has to change his commute for the job. Haddad, a Michigan native, has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer of the Detroit Pistons since January of 2022, so he is already locked into the city’s sports scene.
From Pistons Powerhouse to Lions Leader
Before his latest Pistons gig, Haddad was their Executive Vice President of business affairs/administration and general counsel. Sheila Hamp, in a written statement, made it clear why this hire is a big deal, saying, “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.” She also highlighted his “experience, steady leadership style, and grasp on the present and future state of team sports” as key differentiators in their search. The guy even made Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list in 2022. That’s no small feat, showing he is definitely someone who knows how to get things done at the highest level of sports management.
A True Detroiter’s Vision for the Future
Haddad isn’t just some executive parachuting in; he is deeply tied to Detroit. He told Sports Business Journal back in 2022 that the city declared bankruptcy within a year and a half of him moving there, calling it “probably the bottom.” He then got to witness and play a role in its incredible resurgence through the Pistons. Plus, he was part of the effort to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit, which is currently scheduled for 2029. But the kicker? Haddad himself said in a press release, “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.” He wants to work with Sheila, Rod Wood, Brad Holmes, and Dan Campbell to build on their “incredible foundation” and “deliver for our fans and our community.” You have got to respect that kind of passion from the top!
Haddad is stepping in for Rod Wood, who announced his retirement earlier this offseason. Wood will actually stick around until Haddad finishes up his work with the Pistons and officially makes the move to the Lions. The expectation is Haddad will take over in early September. Sheila Hamp and the Ford family, along with Rod Wood, Bill Ford, Chris Spielman, and Lindsay Verstegen, worked with the advisory firm Russell Reynolds on this hire. It looks like they found someone truly invested in bringing that elusive championship home to Detroit.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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