Toronto exec Peddie retiring

Peddie has been president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment since 1998 after the company that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs added the NBA's Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre.

"Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is what it is today due, in large measure, to the great team that Richard Peddie has built," said company Chairman Larry Tanenbaum said. "His leadership has demonstrated how a company like ours can be a leader in the community. When Richard retires, he will leave a wonderful legacy that is Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment."

Under Peddie, the company also added Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies, created three digital networks -- Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and GOLTV Canada -- and constructed new sports facilities.

"I'm very proud to have led a company that is arguably one of the finest sports and entertainment companies in the world," said Peddie. "This is the right decision for me and I felt it was time. The last 13 years at MLSE have been terrific and a lot of fun."

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