Michael Friisdahl has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and that he will begin in his new position 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,” said Mr. Tanenbaum. “As both an entrepreneur and a C-level executive in consumer-facing businesses at the Canadian and international level, Michael has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering for the customer. 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.”

“It is a true privilege to be chosen to lead MLSE, a proudly Canadian sports and entertainment company that rivals any in North America and indeed the world. As a Torontonian, I’m thrilled by the opportunity to focus all of our resources on supporting the Leafs, Raptors, TFC, Marlies, Raptors 905 and TFCII, and making Toronto the championship city that our fans deserve,” said Michael Friisdahl. “We have Toronto FC in the playoffs, Raptors 905 tipping off next month, NBA All-Star and the World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre in 2016, Grey Cup 2016 at BMO Field and the 100^th anniversary of the Maple Leafs in 2017. These are exciting times for Toronto, indeed for all Canadian sports fans, and I’m very proud to be leading the MLSE team that will deliver for them.”

Friisdahl has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada’s Leisure Group since it was formed in 2012, combining Air Canada Vacations tour operations with Air Canada rouge, the company’s successful leisure airline. 

Friisdahl’s predecessor Tim Leiweke was appointed CEO of MLSE in April 2013 and announced in August 2014 that he would depart the company to pursue new equity opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry.