Ilitch Companies on Monday named Ryan Gustafson president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, a promotion from executive vice president and chief operating officer.
In his new role, Gustafson will lead business operations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and the Fox Theater, the company said. He will also oversee 313 Presents' joint venture interests and manage business operations for the Tigers' single-A affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
The company said in a press release that it has “no immediate plans to announce a replacement” for his current position of executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), a position he has held since March 2023.
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“Ryan's collaborative and inclusive leadership style, business and analytical acumen, and passion for improving the fan experience have helped us in the short term,” Chris Ilitch, CEO of The Ilitch Companies, said in a statement. It has produced incredible results.” “I look forward to his continued success as he leads Ilic and his sports + entertainment into the future.”
During his time with the company, Gustafson played a key role in the multi-year renovation and expansion of Comerica Park's home clubhouse. He helped significantly upgrade the field lighting, reconfigure the outfield walls, and enhance the audio and video systems. He will now play a key role in the club's plans to build a new dormitory at its Lakeland complex and open a new baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.
Gustafsson joined Ilic in 2022 after stints with Major League Soccer's San Diego Padres and Seattle Sounders. Ilitch was promoted in March after Chris McGowan decided to leave the company. Mr. Gustafsson's background in sports includes 15 years of strategic planning and revenue generation experience.
“Sports and live entertainment have the tremendous power to unite communities in our hometowns and around the world, and with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we are excited to bring together some of sports and entertainment's most iconic brands,” Gustafsson said in a statement. I'm proud of that.'' To fulfill our mission to surprise, inspire and unite. ”
Staff writer Tony Paul also contributed.
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