SINGAPORE - Former national swimmer Oon Jin Teik was named the new chief executive of the Singapore Sports Hub on Tuesday (Jan 23).
Oon, who competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, succeeds Manu Sawhney, who was appointed in October 2015 and left last May.
Frenchman Philippe Collin-Delavaud was the CEO from March 2011 to December 2015.
In a press statement, Oon said: "Our nation's largest public-private partnership of its kind has come a long way in establishing itself as the region's premier sports, entertainment and lifestyle destination.
"This is due in no small part to the passion and hard work of the Sports Hub Team and our partners, whose commitment towards building an icon of great national pride to Singapore inspires me daily.
"Ensuring that the Singapore Sports Hub remains fit for its purpose in an ever-changing playing field is key in our forward journey. Together, we will spare no effort to stay ahead of our game and score many more wins for Singapore."
Singapore Sports Hub chairman Bryn Jones said: "We (the board) had observed Jin Teik for some time and he is someone who is decisive, and he took on the role of a leader in a passionate and committed way. He has made it a personal passion and vocation to make the project a success."
The 54-year-old Oon joined the Sports Hub as chief operating officer in 2014 before he was made acting CEO after Sawhney's departure last year.
Before he joined the Sports Hub, Oon was a senior executive for Hyflux from 2011 to 2014, and was the CEO of national sports agency Singapore Sports Council - now Sport Singapore - from 2004 to 2010.
He is also currently the secretary-general of the Singapore Swimming Association, after being elected to the post in June 2014.
The $1.33 billion Sports Hub, which opened in June 2014, is a public-private partnership between the Singapore Government and SHPL, a consortium of four equity partners.
Last year, the National Stadium hosted several high profile events, including the sold-out Coldplay concerts, the Singapore-Argentina international football friendly, and the International Champions Cup featuring top European teams Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Sport Singapore CEO Lim Teck Yin noted in the same release: "The Singapore Sports Hub has an important role to play in Vision 2030 to enable Singaporeans to Live Better through Sport, whether they are enjoying high quality events as a competitor, participant or spectator.
"The Singapore Sports Hub is an iconic sports, entertainment and lifestyle destination that must bring to bear new capabilities and be a source of inspiration and pride for the sport ecosystem and more.
"We look forward to deepening our partnership towards these ends with Jin Teik as CEO."
