Christopher Ilitch | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christopher Paul Ilitch (1965-06-02)June 2, 1965 (age 60) |
| Education | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Title | President and CEO,Ilitch Holdings |
| Term | 2010- |
| Spouse | Kelle Lites (m. 2001, div. 2024) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Mike Ilitch Marian Ilitch |
| Relatives | Denise Ilitch (sister) Jim Lites (former brother-in-law) |
Christopher Paul Ilitch (born June 2, 1965) is an American businessman, and president and chief executive officer (CEO) ofIlitch Holdings, Inc., a holding company for businesses that were founded or purchased byMike andMarian Ilitch. Ilitch companies includeLittle Caesars Pizza,Olympia Entertainment,MotorCity Casino Hotel, theDetroit Tigers ofMajor League Baseball, theDetroit Red Wings of theNational Hockey League, and numerous real estate holdings. In 2018, the organization's total combined revenue was $3.8 billion.[1]
Through Ilitch Holdings, Ilitch is chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers, andgovernor, president, and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings.[2][3]
Ilitch is the youngest son ofMike Ilitch andMarian Ilitch.[4] His siblings areDenise Ilitch, Ronald "Ron" Tyrus Ilitch, Michael C. Ilitch Jr., Lisa M. Ilitch Murray, Atanas Ilitch (born Thomas Ilitch), and Carole M. Ilitch. He is the former brother-in-law of sports executiveJim Lites.[5]
Ilitch attended high school atCranbrook Kingswood inBloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he was captain of the baseball team, and a member of the 1983 state championship hockey team.[6][7] He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from theUniversity of Michigan in 1987.[8]
Ilitch worked a short time atIBM before joining his family's business. He started managing a Little Caesars location inWalled Lake, Michigan, and later managing several stores in theChicago area before returning to Detroit.[8] In 2000, Ilitch and his sisterDenise Ilitch were named co-presidents of Ilitch Holdings. Denise resigned in 2004, and Christopher was named sole CEO.[9]
As president and CEO, Ilitch leads and provides oversight to the Ilitch companies, includingLittle Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Distribution, theDetroit Red Wings,Olympia Entertainment, theDetroit Tigers, Olympia Development of Michigan (real estate), Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and Champion Foods (food manufacturing). The organization also has a joint venture interest in313 Presents. Additionally, Christopher's motherMarian Ilitch ownsMotorCity Casino Hotel. Under Major League Baseball rules, an owner or officer of a baseball club cannot own or operate a casino.Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, stated in 2006 that the arrangement was permissible, as Marian has no stake in the Tigers, and Christopher has no stake in the casino.[10][11]
Ilitch has his name engraved on theStanley Cup as a member of team management for the Red Wings NHL Championships in1997,1998,2002, and2008.[12]
Ilitch is chairman of Ilitch Charities. He serves on the board of directors forBusiness Leaders for Michigan, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, and theDetroit Economic Club. Ilitch is also a member of the Detroit chapter of theYoung Presidents' Organization.[13]
Ilitch has served on the host committees for major sporting events held in Detroit, including the2009 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, andSuper Bowl XL. Along withWilliam Clay Ford Jr., he served as co-chair for the2010 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament held atFord Field in Detroit.[14]
He and his wife, Kelle, have three children and reside in metro Detroit.[15] In August 2024, they filed for divorce.[16]
Ilitch remains an avid hockey player and competes in an adult league in theMetro Detroit area.[8][14]
Ilitch is athird generationMacedonian American, as both his mother and father were children of Macedonian immigrants to the Detroit area.[17]
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