Illinois promotes Warren Hood to Deputy Director of Athletics

On Friday, Illinois announced the promotion of Warren Hood to Deputy Director of Athletics. Serving as the department's new No. 2 administrator behind Josh Whitman, Hood's responsibilities will encompass Illinois' business development initiatives, athletics communication, ticket office operations, and video/creative services. Hood will also be assisting with oversight of the football program.

Warren Hood Named Fighting #Illini Deputy AD by Josh Whitman https://t.co/AA1gzvIKnY

— ui7news (@ui7news) May 20, 2016

Hood's ample experience includes the management of recent renovation projects at both Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. He also headed the department's rebranding efforts with Nike in 2014.

Statement from Josh Whitman

"I could not be more pleased to promote Warren Hood to the critical position of Deputy Director of Athletics. With more than three decades of involvement with the University of Illinois, his institutional knowledge and campus and community relationships are unmatched. His diverse body of work includes generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and leading the two most ambitious building projects in the history of the University. He has an astute eye for talent and is a gifted leader. My relationship with Warren extends back more than a decade. I trust him implicitly and am excited for him to have an even more profound and far-reaching impact on the future of Fighting Illini Athletics."

Statement from Warren Hood

"I am honored to represent the DIA in this new role. Josh is a tremendous leader and with his vision and commitment, we will develop one of the best athletics programs in the country. The University of Illinois is a special place for me and I am extremely excited about our future."