Tim Leiweke To Helm Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

TORONTO (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Tim Leiweke has a new gig — Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), effective June 30th.

Until recently, Leiweke served as president and CEO of entertainment giant Anschutz Entertainment Group, joining the firm in 1996 as the head of the NHL hockey franchise, the L.A. Kings, before assuming the role of president/CEO of AEG in 2001.

Prior to joining AEG, Leiweke spent a tenure as President and CEO of U.S. Skiing and four years as president of the NBA team The Denver Nuggets where he played a key role in the development of the Pepsi Center. Leiweke also has the distinction of being the first employee hired by the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, serving as Vice President of the team as well as handling naming rights, marketing and sales for all events at the Target Center during his term.

While at AEG, Leiweke became the public face of AEG during a period of significant expansion for the company. Under Leiweke, the company launched L.A. Live, the four-million square-foot entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles; oversaw the acquisition of Concerts West and Goldenvoice, the company behind the most successful music festivals in the U.S. Leiweke also oversaw AEG's expansion in the UK, including the O2 in London and in Europe with major venues such as O2 World in Berlin and Globe Arena in Stockholm; and the launch of AXS, AEG's answer to Live Nation's Ticketmaster ticketing service.

Leiweke also played a key role AEG's strategy to develop Farmers Field, the controversial proposed NFL stadium in downtown Los Angeles that has been approved by the city, but has yet to land an NFL franchise to call the stadium home.

Mr. Leiweke told the Toronto Star that his portfolio at MLSE will be quite similar to his role at AEG, where he often provided hands-on oversight for sports teams such as the L.A. Kings and the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy.

“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,” said Mr. Leiweke. “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. And they want MLSE to be an active part of their community. I am committed to delivering for them when I begin my new role as CEO of MLSE.” – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers