His experience as president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has given UWindsor alumnus Richard Peddie (BComm 1970, honorary LLD 2001) great insight into entrepreneurialism, leadership and innovation.

A new initiative of the Odette School of Business will extend the influence of the recently retired executive.

The Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative launches with $750,000 in initial funding raised by Dr. Peddie’s colleagues and friends on his retirement from Maple Leaf Sports, owner of signature Toronto sports franchises including hockey’s Maple Leafs, basketball’s Raptors, and soccer’s Toronto FC, as well as the Air Canada Centre, Ricoh Coliseum, and BMO Field.

The initiative includes three key elements:

• The Centre for Leadership Competency Measurement, dedicated to the measurement and development of leadership competency for Odette School of Business students;
• The Leader-in-Residence Program, where Peddie will be the first in a series of resident leaders who will deliver guest lectures, be available for small group mentoring, and generally participate as members of the Odette School of Business;
• The Richard Peddie Invitational Speaker Series, a major annual event to feature top experts on the subjects of leadership, management and success measurement.

Peddie’s previous recognition from the University of Windsor includes the Clark Award in 1998, an honorary doctorate in 2001 and the Alumni Award of Merit in 2009.

He served as the Odette School of Business executive-in-residence in 2002, when he developed and delivered a leadership course. He has been instrumental in supporting the Odette Business School debating team, which has enjoyed success in competitions across North America. High school students from across Windsor participate in the annual Richard Peddie Invitational Debating Competition.

The Odette School of Business will formally introduce the project during a Breakfast with Champions event in the Odette Building on Wednesday, January 25. Peddie will discuss dynamics of a winning team, drawing on insights garnered from his three decades of senior executive roles.

The event will begin with a continental breakfast at 7:15 a.m., followed by the presentation and discussion at 7:45 a.m. The Breakfast with Champions speaker series is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. RSVP by January 23 on a first-come, first-served basis to Barbara Barone at 519-971-3678 or e-mail bbarone@uwindsor.ca.