Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has hired an Air Canada executive to take over as the company's new president and chief executive officer.
Michael Friisdahl will replace outgoing president Tim Leiweke, MLSE said in a statement on Thursday. Friisdahl has served as the president and CEO of Air Canada's Leisure Group since it was formed in 2012. He will start with MLSE in December, 2015.
"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," MLSE Chairman Larry Tanenbaum said in the statement.
"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's predecessor Leiweke was appointed as CEO in 2013, and announced a year later that he would be stepping down in 2015 to pursue new opportunities.
"On behalf of everyone at MLSE, I sincerely thank Tim for his support for the fans and his many contributions to our organization. We wish him the very best for the future," Tanenbaum said.
