Marian Ilitch

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Marian Ilitch is an applauded entrepreneur and a leading philanthropist. With her husband, Mike Ilitch, she co-founded Little Caesars into the world's largest carry-out pizza chain. Her passion for Detroit led to the restoration of the Fox Theatre, a National Historic Landmark. Ilitch became co-owner of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings, winning four Stanley Cups. The Little Caesars Hockey Program has provided opportunities to tens of thousands of young people. Grants and giving total $190 million through Ilitch Charities and its affiliates including the Little Caesars veterans program. Gifts to Wayne State University total nearly $50 million including $40 million to build and establish the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Marian and Mike Ilitch received the Ilitch School's inaugural Michigan Executive of the Year Award in 1999.