Kevin Warren has been named president and CEO of the Chicago Bears. 

Warren, 59, is the Bears’ fifth president in the team’s 103-year history, following George S. Halas, George “Mugs†Halas Jr., Michael McCaskey, and Ted Phillips. 

He is the first Black president of the Bears and the first president and CEO hired from an outside organization.

Warren was an NFL executive for the St. Louis Rams from 1997 to 2000, the Detroit Lions from 2001 to 2003, and the Minnesota Vikings from 2005-2019. He was also commissioner of the Big Ten Conference from 2020 to 2023.

“I am honored and recognize the responsibility bestowed on me to lead the Chicago Bears during this exciting and pivotal time for the franchise,†Warren said.

Phillips praised Warren. “Kevin will do an excellent job of bringing the best out of great people at Halas Hall and continue the evolution of our proud franchise,†Phillip said.

Warren, an attorney, initially entered the NFL with the Rams, serving as president of player programs/ football legal counsel from 1997 to 2000. 

When the Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, he earned a Super Bowl ring. He joined the Lions as senior vice president of business operations and general counsel. He later joined the Minnesota Vikings during a tenure that lasted two decades. 

He was named the first Black Chief Operating Officer in NFL history.

In 2020, Warren was named the sixth Big Ten Commissioner in league history.