Detroit Lions Team President and CEO Rod Wood to Retire

Organization will immediately begin a global search for Wood's successor

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Rod Wood, the Team President and CEO of the Detroit Lions, has announced that he will retire before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Wood has led the organization for the past 11 seasons and is credited with preparing the Lions for a promising future. The Ford family has thanked Wood for his dedication and commitment, and the team will work with Russell Reynolds Associates to find Wood's replacement.

Why it matters

Wood's retirement marks the end of an era for the Detroit Lions, as he has been a key figure in the organization for over a decade. His leadership has been crucial in shaping the team's direction and positioning it for future success. The search for his successor will be closely watched by Lions fans and the broader NFL community.

The details

Wood joined the Lions in 2015 after a successful career in finance and wealth management, including a 10-year stint as the head of Ford Estates, the Ford family office. During his tenure, he has worked closely with local government and business leaders to elevate Detroit as a key sports and entertainment destination. Wood is proud of the progress the organization has made and is confident that he is leaving it in capable hands.

  • Rod Wood will retire before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Rod Wood

The outgoing Team President and CEO of the Detroit Lions, who has led the organization for the past 11 seasons.

Sheila Hamp

The Detroit Lions Principal Owner and Chair, who has thanked Wood for his dedication and commitment to the team and the city of Detroit.

Russell Reynolds Associates

The global executive search firm that will lead the search for Wood's successor as the Detroit Lions Team President and CEO.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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 Sheila Hamp, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.”

— Rod Wood, Outgoing Team President and CEO, Detroit Lions (statenews.net)

“The entire Ford family would like to thank Rod for his dedication and commitment to the Detroit Lions and the city of Detroit. Rod has been a trusted advisor 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.”

— Sheila Hamp, Detroit Lions Principal Owner and Chair (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Detroit Lions will immediately begin a global search, led by Russell Reynolds Associates, to find a successor for Rod Wood as the team's new President and CEO.

The takeaway

Rod Wood's retirement marks the end of an era for the Detroit Lions, as he has been a key figure in the organization for over a decade. His leadership and dedication have been crucial in shaping the team's direction and positioning it for future success. The search for his successor will be closely watched, as the new leader will be tasked with building on the progress made under Wood's tenure and guiding the Lions towards continued growth and success.