Welshman David Davies had his first day in the office yesterday, beginning his new role as chief executive of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) with back-to-back meetings after arriving in New Zealand on Friday.
DVML was the company formed by the Dunedin City Council to run the stadium and other ratepayer-owned venues.
Mr Davies (50) was not available yesterday but would speak to media this week, a Carisbrook Stadium Trust spokesman said.
Last week, the Otago Daily Times reported Mr Davies would be paid between $230,000 and $250,000.
The salary package included an undisclosed at-risk portion linked to performance.
Mr Davies would initially be a council employee, until transferring to the DVML's books once the stadium was completed in 2011.
His salary package would make him the second highest-paid council employee.
He was head-hunted for the role after stints as chief executive of the Queens Park Rangers football club and London Wasps rugby club.
He has concert promotion experience, and controlled Manchester Arena - the largest indoor arena in Europe, with space for 21,000 people.
Most recently, he was managing director of DHP group, specialising in the management of bands, venues and events.
