Rod Wood, Detroit Lions President

Following organizational changes at the end of the 2020 season, Wood and Mrs. Hamp set out to establish a new leadership vision for the Lions. On Dec. 15, 2020, Wood welcomed Lions Legend Chris Spielman to a formal role in the organization as Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson. Together, along with Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner, the group began the process of bringing the right general manager and head coach to Detroit.

The thorough search for the Lions’ new leadership tandem resulted in the arrival of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. With the hiring of Holmes and Campbell, the Lions’ improved culture of communication, collaboration and innovation will continue to follow the lead of Wood and Mrs. Hamp’s vision toward establishing long-term success on and off the field. In 2024, the Lions ushered in a new era as 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. The Lions captured their second-consecutive NFC North division title with a 31-9 Week 18 win over rival Minnesota and secured the number-one seed in the NFC for the first time in team history.

The 2023 season also proved to be a monumental year as the organization sold out of season tickets for the first time in Ford Field history en route to the team’s first division championship in 30 years. The stadium hosted its first two playoff games, welcoming an environment of loyal fans that propelled the Lions to their second all-time appearance in the NFC Championship Game. The homefield advantage proved to be instrumental in the Lions’ success with numerous teams labeling Ford Field as one of the loudest environments to play.

In April 2024, Wood and the Lions leadership team helped highlight Detroit on the national stage as the city hosted the 2024 NFL Draft. The Motor City went on to set an attendance record for the event with more than 775,000 fans attending over the course of the three days. A week prior to the Draft, the Lions also debuted new uniforms that now feature home blue, road white and alternate black jersey combinations that provide a modern-classic look to the Lions’ on-field performance.

In his nine years, Wood has implemented significant changes that range from day-to-day operations to new branding and has done so guided by a mission to improve the team’s competitive financial position, fan engagement and overall customer experience. Wood has strengthened the Lions and Ford Field brands with improved business partnerships and more strategic alliances that positively influence business initiatives and provide necessary financial support to the club’s football operations.

For the eight years prior to his appointment as team president, Wood worked closely with the Detroit Lions organization and the Ford Family in his role as President and CEO of Ford Estates.

Members will be able to register up to (2) additional guests for the luncheon, for a total of (3) in-person attendees.

1. If you are only registering yourself, click on the blue "Register (individual)" button to fill in your personal information, meal choice and payment information.
2. If you are bringing one or two guests, click on the blue "Registration (Group)" button and use the dropdown menu to indicate the total number you are registering, including yourself.  Add personal information, menu choice and payment information for yourself and your guest(s).  Please pay in advance with your credit card for up to (3) people at $30 each.

This meeting will also be available via Zoom.  

MEETING SCHEDULE

10:30 AM: Registration begins at the Dearborn Country Club

11:30 AM: Lunch - Pot Roast, Whitefish or Vegetarian - $30.00

12:15 PM: Opening Remarks - Gene Nelson

12:30 PM: Introduction - Rod Wood, President & CEO, Ford Lions

Questions & Answers (immediately following presentation) - Andy Acho

The Zoom session will start around noon and will go live at 12:15 PM.