Canadian businessman Matthew Bronfman, the son of outgoing World Jewish Congress president and Seagrams heir Edgar Bronfman, seems likely to be appointed to a senior position in the organization.

Senior WJC sources on Thursday told Haaretz that Matthew Bronfman's appointment is contingent on the election of South African businessman Mendel Kaplan as the organization's new president in a June 10 poll. But cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder, who has told Haaretz in the past that he would like to fill the position, has not announced plans to run.

Kaplan has said that he does not plan to hold the office beyond the completion of Edgar Bronfman's original term in 2009.

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Bronfman announced his resignation from the position he has held since 1980 during a Monday meeting of the WJC's steering committee, and Haaretz has learned that Bronfman and Kaplan talked on the phone the evening before.

Bronfman had previously tried to ensure that his son Matthew would inherit the position, but this aroused harsh criticism, due mainly to the younger Bronfman's lack of experience in Jewish organizations.

WJC sources told Haaretz, however, that they see no problem with Matthew Bronfman filling a senior position in the organization that would prepare him for the 2009 WJC presidential campaign.

Matthew Bronfman, a businessman, acquired a controlling stake in Israel Discount Bank last year.

Kaplan's office said that he was unavailable for comment.