The Detroit Lions named former Pistons Chief Operating Officer Richard Haddad as their new team president and CEO on Wednesday, filling the vacancy left by retiring executive Rod Wood with a local sports business veteran.
Transitioning from Pistons to Lions
Richard Haddad is crossing over to professional football after spending the past 14 years with Pistons Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. He currently serves as the organization’s chief operating officer and chief legal officer, a position he has held since January 2022 after previously working as executive vice president of business affairs/administration and general counsel.
Haddad will take over oversight of both football and business operations of the Lions and Detroit Lions, reporting directly to owner and chair Sheila Hamp when he assumes the role in early September.
The Search Committee and Selection Process
The hiring concludes a monthslong search process to find a successor for Rod Wood, who announced his retirement in February after serving 11 seasons with the franchise. Wood joined the Lions in November 2015 following eight years as CEO and president of Ford Estates, overseeing a $100 million renovation to Ford Field in 2017 and helping usher in the successful era under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
A dedicated hiring committee evaluated candidates through a national search assisted by the advisory firm Russell Reynolds. The committee included Hamp, Wood, Lions vice chairman Bill Ford, senior football advisor Chris Spielman, and chief people and inclusion officer Lindsay Verstegen.
Executive Experience and Community Ties
Hamp pointed to Haddad’s local tenure and strategic background as key factors in the selection.
“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. 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.”
Sheila Hamp, Principal Owner and Chair, via Detroit Lions
During his time with the Pistons, Haddad helped oversee the franchise’s move from Auburn Hills back to downtown Detroit, the construction of the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, and efforts to bring a WNBA team and its riverfront practice facility to the city.
A Lifelong Fan Takes the Helm
Raised in Adrian, Michigan, Haddad earned his bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Michigan and his law degree from Columbia Law School before clerking for U.S.
Reflecting on his new post, Haddad emphasized his personal connection to the franchise.
“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. Sheila, Rod, Brad, and Dan 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.”
Richard Haddad, incoming President and CEO, via Prideofdetroit
Next Steps in the Executive Handover
Wood will remain with the organization to assist with the administrative transition until Haddad completes his current responsibilities with the Pistons and officially steps into his new role in early September.
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