SINGAPORE — Former Singapore Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Lionel Yeo has been appointed as the Singapore Sports Hub’s new chief executive officer, the fourth man to helm the Sports Hub after it opened its doors in 2014.

Mr Yeo is now serving as Grab’s chief executive officer adviser until Dec 31. He will assume his new position from Feb 3, 2020, the Sports Hub announced in a media statement on Wednesday (Nov 27).

Sports Hub chairman Bryn Jones said that the search for the new CEO started in June. Its previous CEO, Mr Oon Jin Teik, had resigned in January — 12 months after officially taking on the role.

Mr Jones, who acted as the interim CEO after Mr Oon’s resignation, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Lionel, after a search that began in June this year for a candidate that would lead the team behind Sports Hub to deliver a comprehensive programme for everyone in Singapore to watch, play and support sports events and also enjoy world-class entertainment”. 

Three CEOs have left the consortium since the Sports Hub opened in June 2014. Frenchman Philippe Collin-Delavaud led the company during its construction phase from March 2011, before Mr Manu Sawhney took over in 2015.

Mr Sawhney left 19 months into the job, following investigations into an anonymous complaint. The Sports Hub board investigated the complaint and found that no action was warranted.

Former national swimmer Oon stepped in as acting CEO in May 2017, before being officially appointed in January 2018. He resigned a year later.

During Mr Yeo’s tenure at the STB, Singapore’s visitor arrivals grew by 30 per cent and hit new records.

He said that he was aware of the challenges that the Sports Hub faces, as well as its achievements and potential, having been involved with it during his time in government service.

“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as its CEO, and look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to build on its success for Singapore,” he said.

A Grab spokesperson said that Mr Yeo has played a key role in building strategic relationships and programmes with governments and industry partners. 

“We are excited for Lionel’s new opportunity and look forward to him tackling his new role with his trademark passion and intuitive understanding of various stakeholder needs,” the spokesperson added.