Phil Castellini Named Reds CEO, Takes Over from Bob Castellini

The Cincinnati Reds’ ownership transition is finally official. MLB has approved the transfer of control from Bob Castellini to his son, Phil Castellini. This signals a leadership shift that’s been brewing for a while inside the franchise.

The Feb. 12, 2026 approval cements Phil’s status as principal owner. He’s already been the team’s top executive since the 2024 organizational changes, so this just makes it official on paper.

Context of the Castellini transition

The Reds and The Enquirer both confirmed the change. MLB clubs reportedly gave their sign-off for the ownership transfer.

This move looks like the end of a long-term internal plan, not some last-minute scramble. There’s really no sign that the transition will shake up how the Reds operate, on or off the field.

Phil Castellini’s new role and timeline

Since the 2024 restructuring, Phil Castellini has basically run the show as president and CEO. He’s handled day-to-day decisions and set the team’s direction.

With the official transfer on Feb. 12, 2026, he steps up as principal owner. That lines up his ownership duties with what he’s already been doing in the front office.

• Date of transfer: February 12, 2026, per MLB approval.
• Phil’s role: principal owner, and he’s been acting as president/CEO since the 2024 changes.
• Supporting structure: The 2024 restructuring put Doug Healy in as COO and CFO, which is part of the broader leadership team.
• Bob Castellini’s involvement: He’s still part of the ownership group and is expected at key events like spring training.
• Public framing: Reds officials say this is just formalizing a plan they announced earlier, not a sudden pivot.

Background and ownership history

Bob Castellini became principal owner and CEO in January 2006 after buying a 70% stake from Carl Lindner Jr. for $270 million. The Castellini family has led the franchise through a lot—transitions, public scrutiny, and plenty of organizational changes.

The recent transfer to Phil feels like a natural next step for the family’s stewardship of the team.

Operational implications and what changes to expect

With the transfer now formal, the Reds look set to keep rolling with the leadership structure from 2024. Phil Castellini will keep steering operations, and Doug Healy stays in his executive roles.

The club’s public messaging keeps hammering home the idea of stability. As spring training and the new season approach, don’t expect any wild changes—just a steady hand on the wheel.

What fans should watch during spring training and beyond

The core narrative here isn’t about some wild upheaval. It’s more about steady hands on the wheel.

Here’s what fans might want to keep an eye on as the Reds move forward under the Castellini name:

• Phil Castellini sticks at the top, steering franchise strategy as principal owner.
• Doug Healy now holds the COO and CFO spots after the 2024 shuffle, which keeps things running pretty smoothly.
• The team’s public statements feel like they’re emphasizing a long-planned transition, not a sudden shift.
• Bob Castellini still pops up in club business, focusing on stewardship and making his usual spring training visits.

Phil Castellini’s move into the top spot finishes off a plan the Reds have worked on since 2024. So, for fans and anyone watching, the main takeaway is that while there’s a new formal owner, the heart of the club—its people, routines, and big-picture goals—looks set to keep rolling along as spring training gets underway.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phil Castellini takes over control of Reds from Bob Castellini