Marian Ilitch

Marian Ilitch

Detroit Red Wings Co-Owner (1982 – present)

Marian Ilitch was born in Dearborn, Michigan. She married Mike Ilitch in 1955 and together they went on start the Little Caesars Pizza chain in 1959. Over the years, as the Pizza chain grew, their business interests expanded into other areas, such as; restaurants, entertainment, sports and gaming. In 1982 they purchased the Detroit Red Wings and re-invigorated the once legendary franchise winning four Stanley Cup Championships during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. In 1992, Marian and Mike Ilitch purchased the Detroit Tigers and also helped revive the franchise appearing in two World Series in the 2000’s. The Ilitch family has been very active in helping revive the greater Detroit area and their philanthropic ventures have extended to many areas and people both within and beyond the sports world. Marian Ilitch was inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001 and was elected to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and inducted in 2010.