Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, with new backing from BCE and Rogers Communications, has hired former Anschutz Entertainment Group head Tim Leiweke as its new president and CEO, effective June 30.

The sports entertainment giant includes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies.

Leiweke will take control of MLSE after BCE and Rogers completed a $1.32-billion purchase of a majority 75% stake from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Kilmer Sports Inc. (KSI), which is owned by MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum, has a 25% ownership stake in MLSE.

“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,” MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said in a news release Friday.

Leiweke, who replaces Richard Peddie, added in his own statement: “I’m honored 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.”

Photo via mlse.com