The Singapore Sports Hub has appointed a new chief executive officer in Manu Sawhney, with the 48-year-old set to take over responsibilities from October.

The announcement was made on Wednesday. Sawhney will join the Sports Hub from September as CEO-designate.

He replaces Frenchman Philippe Collin-Delavaud, who has been CEO since March 2011 and oversaw the construction of the $1.3 billion facility.

The latter will stay at the Sports Hub until the end of December to ensure a smooth transition.

Sawhney, a Singapore citizen, was part of the steering committee of the SEA Games in June.

He is also a director of football club Manchester United and last held the position of managing director of ESPN Star Sports.

In a statement, Sawhney said: "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to steer Sports Hub's operations and look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place.

"... I was impressed by the role the Singapore Sports Hub and its dedicated team of professionals played at the SEA Games.

"I look forward to working with all our key stakeholders to realise Sports Hub's potential as a national and global icon and an integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub that delivers world-class events alongside a full calendar of community activities."

The National Stadium has hosted, for example, a football friendly between Japan and Brazil.

Mark Woodhams, chairman of the Sports Hub board, said Sawhney will be tasked to build on the momentum the facility has built so far and take it to the next level.

He noted that Sawhney has over 25 years of leadership experience in the Asian media, entertainment and sports industries.

"Manu has a great track record of managing complex business," he said, adding that Sawhney has developed compelling consumer content and successful commercial initiatives.

May Chen