The Ilitch organization has promoted Ryan Gustafson to officially oversee its sports and entertainment business.

Gustafson is the new president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, effective immediately, filling a role that had been vacant for a year following Chris McGowan’s departure, the company announced Monday.

The move represents a rapid climb of the ladder for Gustafson, who was hired as senior vice president of business operations strategy in 2022. He was promoted to executive vice president and COO of the organization last year, assuming McGowan’s responsibilities before taking the CEO title. McGowan took a job last year as executive vice president, chief club performance officer for Major League Soccer.

As CEO, Gustafson heads up operations for the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre and the Ilitch interest in 313 Presents, a joint venture with Tom Gores’ Pistons Sports & Entertainment. Gustafson also manages operations for Tigers Single-A affiliate Lakeland Flying Tigers.

“Ryan’s collaborative and inclusive leadership style, business and analytical acumen, and passion for enhancing the fan experience has resulted in incredible accomplishments in a short time,” Ilitch Cos. CEO Christopher Ilitch said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to his continued success as he leads Ilitch Sports + Entertainment into the future.”

Gustafson has been busy during the Tigers offseason with $30 million in renovations at Comerica Park, including an overhauled and expanded clubhouse as well as a massive new video board, new TVs throughout the concourse and audio enhancements. Fans will have the opportunity to see those upgrades starting with the April 5 home opener.

The company has no immediate plans to fill the EVP/COO role, though Gustafson “will have an opportunity to assess the needs of his leadership structure over the coming months,” the release said.