TORONTO – Calling him the “right CEO at the right time,” to take the company to the next level, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has appointed Tim Leiweke as president and CEO of the company
“Tim Leiweke is one of the top sports executives in the world, renowned for his ability to build championship teams, premier entertainment events, and innovative brand and marketing opportunities," said MLSE chair Larry Tanenbaum in the announcement. “Tim is a leader who understands what fans want and what it takes to build winners. With his deep leadership experience and unparalleled success at the highest levels of professional sports, Tim’s the right CEO at the right time to lead the transformation of MLSE."
Leiweke was most recently president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which owns the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, Los Angeles Galaxy, a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, and sport and entertainment venues in the U.S. and around the world.
“I’m honoured and excited to be chosen to lead MLSE, a world-class sports and entertainment organization with the major league teams, premier facilities and employee team that rank with the very best across North America and internationally,” Leiweke said.
“MLSE is woven into the character of Toronto. The loyal and passionate fans of MLSE’s teams want sports championships for this great city. They want excitement on the ice, on the court, on the pitch and on the stage…I am committed to delivering for them when I begin my new role as CEO of MLSE.”
Leiweke will lead the MLSE management team as of June 30, along with Tom Anselmi, COO.
With more than 30 years as professional sports executive, the St. Louis native began his career in 1979 as assistant general manager of the St. Louis Steamers of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He joined the Los Angeles Kings as president in 1996, and became AEG president in 2001. He also spent four seasons as president of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets.
“My family and I eagerly look forward to becoming part of the community in Toronto, one of the great cities of the world, and to joining the passionate and dedicated fans of the Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Toronto FC and the Marlies,” said Leiweke.
