Report: MLSE approaches TV exec as potential replacement for CEO Leiweke

A prominent media executive is reportedly on the radar of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment as a replacement for outgoing CEO Tim Leiweke.

John Cassaday, CEO of Toronto-based TV and radio broadcaster Corus Entertainment, has been approached by MLSE and the two sides have discussed the soon-to-be-vacant position, a source told TSN's Rick Westhead.

MLSE - which owns the NHL's Maple Leafs, the NBA's Raptors and Toronto FC of MLS - will bring in the finalists and conduct interviews for Leiweke's post this week, according to the report.

Leiweke announced his intention to leave last summer but will remain with MLSE until June 30.

The board began its search for Leiweke's replacement last fall and was interested in NHL chief operating officer John Collins, who reportedly turned down the opportunity.

Cassaday, 60, once worked under former MLSE CEO Richard Peddie at Kraft Foods, and Peddie's brother, Tom, now works for Cassaday at Corus.