Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment announced Thursday that president and CEO Tim Leiweke will leave the company.
Leiweke will remain with MLSE until June 2015 or until a successor is appointed.
"It's an honour to lead MLSE, a world-class organization in a city and a country so passionate about sports. But with new opportunities on the horizon, it's time for me to begin the transition from sports and entertainment executive to entrepreneur," Leiweke said, according to The Canadian Press. "Right now, my total focus is here at MLSE and I look forward to working with the Board and MLSE team to continue strengthening our franchises while ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader."
The 57-year-old has been in the position, which includes holdings in the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors of the NBA, since June 30, 2013. Prior to that, Leiweke was president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which counted the Los Angeles Kings among its holdings.
"Under Tim's leadership, MLSE has made a number of key moves to strengthen our organization on the path to championship success," MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said, according to CP. "We look forward to working closely with Tim to build on this foundation and further accelerate our momentum as we seek a new leader for MLSE."
It's the latest big announcement this summer by the Maple Leafs. Among their personnel moves since the end of last season were the hirings of Brendan Shanahan as president, Kyle Dubas as assistant general manager and Brandon Pridham as assistant to the GM, and the firings of assistant GMs Dave Poulin and Claude Loiselle.