PRESEASON EditiON - Detroit Lions

In 2009, the team introduced comprehensive changes to the
team’s brand that includes a new, fierce-looking logo and other unique
branding elements. That same year the organization revamped the
Lions merchandise operations with a strong emphasis on improving
customer service.
Another area where Ford emphasizes progressive growth includes
the digital and social media, which allows the team, through various
media to connect and communicate directly with its fans and to reach
them on multiple platforms. Since Ford assumed his role with the club,
the Lions became one of the first pro sports teams to launch its own
website, Detroitlions.com.
The team also entered into a partnership with CBS Radio (formerly
Infinity Broadcasting), a relationship it extended in 2009, for the Lions’
radio broadcast rights and started production on weekly radio and
television shows that air throughout the season.
Beyond football events that range from the NFL all the way down
to youth football, Ford Field hosts some of the largest sporting and
entertainment events in the nation.
Ford Field has hosted two of the biggest events in the history
of college athletics. In 2009, Ford Field hosted the NCAA Men’s
Basketball Final Four, a first for downtown Detroit, which shattered
tournament attendance records, provided the Metro Detroit area with
a $30-50 million economic boost over the weekend and provided a
number of community outreach initiatives that will have a lasting
impact on the city of Detroit. An example of that outreach was the
newly created legacy program that established early learning and
literacy centers in the Detroit community. Ford Field was the host
site for the Midwest Regional Finals in March 2008, and the event
also broke NCAA Regional and preliminary round attendance records
with over 57,000 people attending each session.
In April 2010, the focus was again back on Ford Field as Detroit
hosted the 2010 NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four. In doing so, Ford
Field became the first venue in NCAA history to host the Final Four
and the Frozen Four in back-to-back years. The Frozen Four at Ford
Field generated record crowds and established a new hockey indoor
world attendance record.
In past roles within the NFL structure, Ford has served on the
NFL’s Finance Committee and NFL Properties Committee.
Though football remains a passion for Ford, his father and his
family, his top priority remains serving as Ford Motor Company’s
Executive Chairman. His current role is a professional and personal
commitment, as he leads the company founded by his greatgrandfather,
American automotive pioneer Henry Ford. A member of
the Board of Directors since 1988, he assumed the role of Chairman of
the Board January 1, 1999. He also served as Chief Executive Officer
from October 2001 through September 2006. Additionally, he serves
as Chairman of the Board’s Finance Committee and as a member of
the Sustainability Committee.
Among his many outside leadership roles, he serves as a member
of the Board of Trustees of The Henry Ford, Chairman of the Detroit
Economic Club, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Business
Leaders for Michigan and Chairman of the New Michigan Initiative
Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of eBay.
Born in Detroit in 1957, Ford is an avid fly fisherman and car
enthusiast, enjoys playing hockey and tennis, and is a black belt in the
martial art of Tae Kwon Do. In his spare time, Ford competes in pond
hockey tournaments and his team has claimed the USA Hockey Pond
Hockey National Championship in past years. He holds a bachelor of
arts degree from Princeton University and a master of science degree
in management as an Alfred P. Sloan fellow from Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT).
exeCutives & CoaChing
Detroitlions.com
Media.Detroitlions.com