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

The announcement was made on Wednesday. Sawhney will join the Singapore 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. Collin-Delavaud 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, and also currently serves as a director of football club Manchester United. He 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 raelise 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."

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

He said: "With over 25 years of regional leadership experience in the Asian media, entertainment and sports industries, Manu has a great track record of managing complex business and developing innovating consumer facing content and successful commercial initiatives."