The Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) has appointed 39-year-old Ronnie Lim as its new chief executive officer. He replaces Bobby Lee, 43, who resigned in September after being with the association since March 2011.

Lim was the former general manager and head of capital markets at the Singapore branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. He had also previously worked at financial giants Citigroup and J.P. Morgan.

The former school shuttler emerged from a field of more than 20 applicants, which was later trimmed to a shortlist of four. Said SBA president Lee Yi Shyan, who is also Senior Minister of State (Trade and Industry, National Development): "Ronnie brings along a wealth of managerial skills and industry knowledge that would benefit SBA in different but value-adding ways."

Added Lim: "I have always been a passionate fan of sports, in particular badminton, so when this opportunity came up, I just knew that I have to take it.

"Bobby did a fantastic job so I know I have big shoes to fill. Hopefully I can help to take badminton to even greater heights."