AUBURN HILLS, Feb. 17 - - Tom Wilson is resigning his position as president and chief executive officer of Palace Sports & Entertainment, Inc. and the Detroit Pistons Basketball Company. Immediately assuming Mr. Wilson’s executive roles is Alan Ostfield, currently chief operating officer of the Palace and Pistons.
“I have had the honor to be a part of the Pistons family for the last 32 years, 31 of them working along side Bill Davidson,” said Mr. Wilson. “He was a dear friend and partner. I believe that, with Mr. Davidson’s unfortunate passing, however, the time is now right for me and my family to explore many exciting opportunities that have come my way recently. With Alan, I leave the Pistons and Palace in very good hands.”
“Mr. Davidson and I built an organization of talented people and planned for an orderly leadership transition. Alan Ostfield, has been involved in every aspect of our business and helped to make every important decision we’ve made over the last 10 years. Alan has outstanding experience in all areas of sports franchise management and operations, including strategic planning. Now, Alan is ready to help guide the Pistons’ and Palace’s future.”
During his 32 year tenure, Wilson was lauded as a visionary in the sports and entertainment industry. Under his and Mr. Davidson’s leadership, The Palace earned Arena of the Year honors nine times, DTE Energy Music Theatre was the nation’s top-attended outdoor venue 19 consecutive years and the Pistons is heralded as one of the best marketed and most highly valued teams in the NBA. The extraordinary staff that Wilson and Davidson built remains intact.
Alan Ostfield joined the Pistons and Palace in 2000 as senior vice president for legal affairs and assumed his current title as chief operating officer of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons and as assistant general manager of the Detroit Pistons in 2002. Previously, he was senior vice president and general counsel for the San Diego Padres major league baseball club. A resident of Beverly Hills, Michigan, Mr. Ostfield earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA and JD degrees from Boston University.
“I have the deepest respect for Tom Wilson and the culture of excellence he and Mr. Davidson developed here,” said Mr. Ostfield. “Working with Tom has been an extraordinary professional and personal experience, and I am confident the management team we have in place can build on his achievements and momentum. I appreciate Mr. Davidson’s confidence in me as well as ownership’s trust and support as I assume these new responsibilities.”
“Alan Ostfield and Tom have functioned as an outstanding senior management team in anticipation of a seamless transition,” said Jonathan Aaron, co-personal representative of Mr. Davidson’s estate. “Tom has left his indelible mark on our organization and we want to thank him for his years of exemplary leadership.”
“I would like to wish all the best to Tom Wilson,” said Karen Davidson, wife of the late Bill Davidson. “He was close to Bill personally and professionally and was instrumental to this organization’s growth, reputation and success.”
“Our organization is like an extended family, and Tom has been a valued member of that family for years,” said Ethan Davidson, Bill Davidson’s son. “While change always brings challenges, we are very confident in the future success of the Palace and Pistons.”
Update:
NBA Commissioner Stern released the following statement.
"Tom is one of the most innovative and respected leaders in the NBA. He revolutionized the sports and entertainment business and his vision propelled The Palace and the Pistons to the forefront of the industry. I have great admiration for Tom’s accomplishments and wish him all the very best in the future.”
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