DETROIT - Rod Wood, team president and CEO of the Detroit Lions, announced he will retire prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season.
Wood has led the Lions for 11 seasons after joining the franchise in 2015. He will remain with the team in his current capacity until a successor is hired to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Wood expressed gratitude to the organization and the Detroit fan base for his 11-season tenure. Wood joined the team in 2015 and noted that he is leaving the franchise in the care of Principal Owner and Chair Executive Vice President Sheila Hamp, General Manager Brad Holmes, and Head Coach Dan Campbell.
“I want to thank the Ford Family and ultimately Lions fans everywhere for trusting me to lead the Detroit Lions for the last 11 seasons,” Wood said. “It has been an absolute thrill for me to lead this organization, and I am proud of what we have accomplished over that decade-plus. I am most proud of where I am leaving this organization, in the capable hands of Hamp, Holmes, and Campbell.”
Hamp, Detroit Lions principal owner and chair, praised Wood for his leadership and role as a consultant within the league. Hamp credited Wood with preparing the team for its current trajectory. “The entire Ford family would like to thank Rod for his dedication and commitment to the Detroit Lions and the city of Detroit,” Hamp said.
“Rod has been a trusted adviser and passionate leader for our organization and the entire NFL during that time and has prepared our organization for a promising future. While Rod will be missed, we are excited to work with Russell Reynolds Associates to find the next dynamic leader of our business.”
Before joining the Lions, Wood worked for 30 years in finance and wealth management. This professional background included a 10-year period as the head of Ford Estates, which serves as the Ford family office. A native of Goodrich, Mich., Wood has spent the last 20 years collaborating with Detroit business and government leaders. These efforts focused on establishing the city as a primary destination for sports and entertainment. Wood and his wife, Susan, plan to spend more time with their children and grandchildren following his retirement.
The search for Wood’s successor will begin immediately. Russell Reynolds Associates will lead the global search process to identify the next leader for the organization’s business operations.