TORONTO – Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Leiweke will be leaving his role next June or sooner if a successor is appointed before then.
The announcement was made by MLSE Chairman Larry Tanenbaum in a media release Thursday saying Leiweke “plans to pursue his goal of owning and operating his own business following his departure.”
“Under Tim’s leadership, MLSE has made a number of key moves to strengthen our organization on the path to championship success,” said Tanenbaum.
Leiweke joined MLSE in 2013 after serving as President and CEO of international sports and entertainment company Anschutz Entertainment Group. He reportedly agreed to a five-year contract.
“It’s an honour to lead MLSE, a world-class organization in a city and a country so passionate about sports. But with new opportunities on the horizon, it’s time for me to begin the transition from sports and entertainment executive to entrepreneur,” said Mr. Leiweke in the joint media release.
“Right now, my total focus is here at MLSE and I look forward to working with the Board and MLSE team to continue strengthening our franchises while ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader.”
MLSE owns and operates the NHL’s Maple Leafs, NBA’s Raptors and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.
Leiweke’s future with MLSE made headlines this week after a report indicated he would soon be leaving the company.
He denied the report again Wednesday and called the rumour mill “a distraction,” but did not reveal how long he wants to stay in the position.
MLSE says it has begun the search for a new CEO however the company will continue to operate with its current executive management structure until then.
With a file from The Canadian Press
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