Bob Harlan, Packers' President and CEO from 1989-2008, Dies at 89

Harlan was credited with restoring the Packers to consistent success during his nearly two-decade tenure.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 12:26am

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Bob Harlan, who served as the Green Bay Packers' president and CEO from 1989 to 2008, has died at the age of 89. Harlan was credited with helping the Packers regain their status as a consistent winner, including overseeing the team's Super Bowl victory in 1996 and return to the Super Bowl the following year. He also led the $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field during his tenure.

Why it matters

Harlan's leadership was seen as transformational for the Packers franchise, helping to restore the team to greatness after years of struggle. His hiring of GM Ron Wolf and support for acquiring key players like Brett Favre and Reggie White were pivotal in the team's resurgence.

The details

Harlan joined the Packers organization in 1971 and was elected president and CEO in 1989, serving in that role until his retirement in 2008. During his tenure, the Packers had 13 straight winning seasons from 1992-2004 and won a Super Bowl in 1996, returning to the big game the following year.

  • Harlan joined the Packers organization in 1971.
  • Harlan was elected president and CEO of the Packers in 1989.
  • The Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996 during Harlan's tenure.
  • The Packers returned to the Super Bowl the following year in 1997.
  • Harlan retired from his role as Packers president and CEO in January 2008.

The players

Bob Harlan

The Green Bay Packers' president and CEO from 1989 to 2008, credited with helping restore the franchise to consistent success and overseeing major stadium renovations.

Ron Wolf

The general manager hired by Harlan in 1991, who helped turn the Packers around by acquiring key players like Brett Favre and Reggie White.

Brett Favre

The Hall of Fame quarterback acquired by the Packers in a trade, who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1996 and return to the Super Bowl the following year.

Reggie White

The Hall of Fame pass rusher signed by the Packers in free agency, who was part of the team's resurgence in the 1990s.

Ed Policy

The current Packers president and CEO, who praised Harlan's transformational leadership of the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“Bob Harlan's leadership of the Green Bay Packers was outstanding. Hiring Ron Wolf and supporting the trade that brought me to Green Bay changed my career. The organization believed in me and gave me the opportunity.”

— Brett Favre

“Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational. From his inspired hiring of (general manager) Ron Wolf to turn around the club's on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success.”

— Ed Policy, Packers president/CEO

The takeaway

Harlan's leadership was instrumental in the Packers' resurgence as a consistent winner in the NFL, including a Super Bowl championship, through key personnel decisions and major stadium renovations. His vision and commitment to the franchise helped ensure the Packers' long-term success and status as one of the league's most iconic teams.