DETROIT – Chris Ilitch issued the following statement Saturday, a day after his father Mike Ilitch died at age 87.
“My father was a kind-hearted family man, a big-idea businessman, a hands-on leader and a devoted philanthropist who created opportunity and pride for everyone around him. He was one-of-a-kind, and I’m honored to have worked with him to grow our organization and our hometown. We will never forget his dedication to his employees, players and franchisees, his passion for Detroit, his giving and generous spirit, and his devotion to my mother Marian and all of his loved ones. My father truly lived his life well, and I will work hard to uphold his spirit, his values and his remarkable legacy.”
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Chris Ilitch already has been in the driver's seat of the family's business initiatives, holding the title of president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. He has become more of a public figure himself in recent years as his father stepped out of the spotlight in his older age.
Chris has been at the helm of an ambitious entertainment district project in Detroit, with Little Caesar's Arena at the center. When the arena broke ground last year, Chris Ilitch said he hoped it would be a catalyst for growth in Detroit and Michigan.
"This remarkable building, with its one-of-a-kind architecture, will be a shining example of what's possible in our city," he said. "Today's groundbreaking represents the next chapter of global growth for an iconic Detroit brand, founded by my parents, Mike and Marian Ilitch, in 1959 with a single store. My hope is that our growth, commitment and continued investment in our community and its people will serve as a catalyst for others to call Detroit and Michigan their home."
Read: Little Caesars World HQ construction progress report -- Feb. 2, 2017
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