Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Introduces Chris Granger as Group President, Sports and Entertainment

DETROIT, July 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. announced today that accomplished executive Chris Granger has joined the organization as Group President, Sports and Entertainment. In this role, Granger will work closely with Christopher Ilitch to optimize the fan and partner experience at all Ilitch-related venues; to grow, recruit and retain the significant talent in the business side of the company's sports and entertainment organizations; to collaborate with partners to ensure highly active, attractive and community-focused venues, and more.

To achieve these goals, Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment and Duane MacLean, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for The Detroit Tigers, will report directly to Granger, who will report to Christopher Ilitch. Ken Holland and Al Avila will continue to report to Christopher Ilitch.

"Bringing Chris to Detroit and to our organization is a big win," said Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "His proven history of innovation, fan-first approach and community commitment are a perfect fit for our team as we prepare for the opening of Little Caesars Arena and ongoing development across The District Detroit. We're incredibly excited to add Chris to our already very strong team."

Granger previously served as President of the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Basketball Holdings, LLC. During his tenure, the Kings enjoyed unprecedented revenue growth and were widely recognized as a highly innovative and community-minded franchise. Granger's wide-reaching influence also extended to the development of Sacramento's new, award-winning Golden 1 Center, and its 1.5 million square-foot downtown mixed-use development project, Downtown Commons. Prior to joining the Kings, Granger worked in various capacities for the NBA from 1999-2013. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President of the NBA's renowned Team Marketing and Business Operations function, where he advised NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League teams on all aspects of business operations including ticket and partnership sales, marketing, community relations, communications and digital media.

Granger received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his Master of Business Administration from Yale. As an undergraduate, he also studied abroad at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science. An Indiana native, Chris and his wife Jennifer and daughters Zoe and Megan are relocating to the Detroit area.

"I'm excited to join Ilitch Holdings at this unprecedented period of growth and opportunity," said Granger. "This organization knows how to do things right for fans, partners and the community, and I look forward to contributing to the dynamic, transformative and impactful work underway."

About Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

Ilitch Holdings, Inc., was established in 1999 to provide professional services to certain businesses that were founded or purchased by Detroit entrepreneurs Mike and/or Marian Ilitch. The Ilitch companies represent leading brands in the food, sports and entertainment industries, including Little Caesars, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program and Champion Foods. Additionally, Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

SOURCE Ilitch Holdings, Inc.