Wade, 42, of Devonshire, is expected to move into an office at the stadium within the next two weeks.

Most recently, Mr. Wade worked for Tools & Equipment Unlimited. He has also worked in international insurance, with the Registrar of Companies, for John W. Swan Ltd., and for Coopers & Lybrand.

"I see it as a challenge,'' Mr. Wade said of managing the National Stadium.

"Whenever the topic has come up, it's always been commented on negatively in terms of what's been there.'' He said his private sector experience would be an asset, but he was not sure the stadium could ever be a money-maker.

Effective on January 1, the Ministry of Youth and Sport turned operation of the stadium over to a board of trustees chaired by banker Mr. Donald Lines.

The Government has been developing the stadium in phases, with much work left to be done.