Rod Wood has served as the Lions President and CEO for 11 seasons (2015-2025) where he oversaw all football and business operations of the organization, reporting directly to Principal Owner and Chair Sheila Ford Hamp during his tenure. In February of 2026, Wood announced he would formally retire from his role, and in August helped introduce incoming President and CEO Richard Haddad to the organization. Wood will remain with the Lions through October to assist with the club's change in leadership and support Haddad in his transition.
Under Wood's leadership, the Lions have ushered in a new era of success over the last four seasons – each of which have concluded with a winning record. In 2024, the team set records during the regular season, posting the most wins (15), touchdowns scored (70) and points scored (564) in a single season in franchise history on their way to a second consecutive NFC North division title. Wood was integral in working with the city of Detroit and the NFL to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City in that same year.
Also, in 2024, Wood helped lead the efforts to align Michigan-based Meijer as the official naming rights partner of the Lions practice facility in Allen Park – now officially known as the Meijer Performance Center. In March of 2025, the Lions and Ford Motor Company extended the stadium naming rights agreement for Ford Field. Ford Field has been the home of the Lions since 2002, making it the secondlongest-tenured naming rights partnership in the NFL.
Wood, along with Sheila Hamp, led the process that identified Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell as the leaders of the current era of the Lions football. He also led a restructure of the business operation that has produced tremendous growth and brought significant financial investment to downtown Detroit. Influenced by his work with the Lions and with business and civic leaders in Detroit, Wood leaves a legacy of growth and renewed energy in the city.
Wood and his wife Susan have been committed to the growth of Detroit for more than two decades, lending their time and financial support to many non-profit boards and civic projects.
