TORONTO -- Mark Shapiro is the next president of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The team says Shapiro will replace longtime president and CEO Paul Beeston at the end of this season.

"Mark is a seasoned baseball veteran, whose leadership, drive for excellence, and commitment to all aspects of the game is impressive," Blue Jays chairman Edward Rogers said in a statement. "We have confidence that he is the right person to lead the Toronto Blue Jays into the future and build upon the franchise's legacy."

Shapiro, 48, spent the past 24 years with the Cleveland Indians, the past five as club president. In a statement released by the Indians, Shapiro said the "compelling nature" of the Blue Jays' position warranted his consideration.

"This position represents a unique opportunity for me and one that I felt was the right new challenge to undertake," Shapiro said. "With mixed emotions, I will assume the Toronto Blue Jays CEO position upon the conclusion of the 2015 season."

Beeston has been with the franchise since its inception in 1976. The Jays announced in January that he would retire after this season.

"I have known Mark for many years. He is an exemplary executive and his passion for baseball and winning is remarkable," Beeston said. "I am happy to pass him the baton -- but not just yet; (general manager Alex Anthopoulos), the team and I have a little more work to do and we're focused on putting more Ws in the win column."

The Blue Jays are in first place in the American League East, leading the New York Yankees by 1 1/2 games.

Beyond a news release, the Blue Jays said Shapiro won't comment on his new job until he takes over. In a statement, Shapiro said he was "honoured to be following in the footsteps of one of baseball's greatest leaders" in Beeston.

Shapiro's first order of business is the future of Anthopoulos, whose contract expires Oct. 31. The Montreal native made several trades at the deadline, acquiring shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, ace David Price and others, that led to Toronto's surge into first place.

The Blue Jays play host to the Indians beginning Monday night at Rogers Centre.