TORONTO – Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has appointed Michael Friisdahl as its new president and CEO, replacing the outgoing Tim Leiweke.
"Given our unparalleled sports executive and team leadership, MLSE's CEO search focused on the appointment of a seasoned Canadian business executive to lead the organization and we've found exactly what we were looking for in Michael," said MLSE chair Larry Tanenbaum, in the announcement. "As both an entrepreneur and a C-level executive in consumer-facing businesses at the Canadian and international level, Michael has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering for the customer. His focus will be on supporting our fans and our teams while maximizing the potential of MLSE's iconic sports, entertainment and real estate assets."
Friisdahl (pictured), who will take on his new position in December, was president and CEO of Air Canada's Leisure Group since it was formed in 2012, combining Air Canada Vacations tour operations with leisure airline Air Canada rouge. Prior to that, he was CEO of Thomas Cook North America.
"It is a true privilege to be chosen to lead MLSE, a proudly Canadian sports and entertainment company that rivals any in North America and indeed the world”, Friisdahl added. “As a Torontonian, I'm thrilled by the opportunity to focus all of our resources on supporting the Leafs, Raptors, TFC, Marlies, Raptors 905 and TFCII, and making Toronto the championship city that our fans deserve."
