CLEVELAND (AP) — Mark Shapiro's baseball life has been with the Indians. He rose through their front office, helped build them into winners and directed their stadium renovation. He did it all, but fell short of a World Series title.

He'll chase that pursuit in Toronto.

Shapiro, who has had several prominent roles in nearly 24 years with Cleveland, will become the Blue Jays' president and CEO following this season. The 48-year-old Shapiro calls this a "unique opportunity."

He will replace Toronto CEO Paul Beeston, who is retiring. The AL East-leading Blue Jays, who have swung for the fences and beefed up their roster to make the playoffs, have been looking for a top executive for months and feel they've landed one of the best in Shapiro.

"Mark is a seasoned baseball veteran, whose leadership, drive for excellence, and commitment to all aspects of the game is impressive. 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," Blue Jays Chairman Edward Rogers said.

Shapiro has been with Cleveland since 1992, when he began as an assistant in baseball operations. He spent four years as the team's minor league director and three as vice president before becoming general manager in 2001. The Indians, who haven't won the World Series since 1948, made the playoffs twice with Shapiro calling the shots and navigating the club through financial constraints before he took over as president in 2010.

Shapiro said the decision to leave Cleveland is difficult, and owner Paul Dolan said he will not look for a replacement.

"Given the person that Mark is, the significant leadership and values that he has brought to the organization and with everything he has helped us accomplish, it will be extremely difficult to see him leave," Dolan said. "However, I hope that this new challenge brings happiness and fulfillment for Mark and his family. As we move forward, I will not be seeking an external replacement for Mark and will continue to rely on the existing strong leadership group to guide us forward."

Shapiro and Dolan will further discuss the shake-up during a Monday news conference at Progressive Field.

Shapiro's departure may not have a ripple effect in Cleveland. Indians manager Terry Francona said last week he will not use an opt-out clause in his contract if Shapiro leaves. One of the reasons Francona joined the Indians was because of his relationship with Shapiro and general manager Chris Antonetti.

The addition of Shapiro is another shrewd move by the Blue Jays, who have risen to the top of their division through trades and signings. Toronto, which is 24-6 since acquiring shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, is trying to end a postseason drought dating to 1993.

But the Blue Jays have big plans beyond this season, and the club intends to make major renovations to Rogers Centre, their downtown Toronto home. Shapiro oversaw major restorations and upgrades at Progressive Field. The park has become more fan friendly the past few years, but attendance is still lagging.

It's not clear how Shapiro's arrival will affect Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who acquired MVP candidate Josh Donaldson in the offseason, signed free agent catcher Russell Martin and traded for David Price and Tulowitzki before the deadline to give Toronto a big lift. Blue Jays games are breaking TV viewing records, and Canadians are talking baseball for the first time in years.

Beeston believes Shapiro is just another piece to the puzzle.

"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; Alex, the team, and I have a little more work to do and we're focused on putting more W's in the win column."

The Indians, meanwhile, have won five straight games to move back into the AL wild-card picture. And on Monday, they open a series in Toronto.