TD Banknorth Garden names president

The TD Banknorth Garden yesterday named John Wentzell president of the arena, filling the high-profile post with a trusted insider.

The move comes amid a period of rapid change for the home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. The Garden plans to spend millions of dollars to upgrade the arena in the coming months, and naming rights sponsor TD Banknorth has pledged several million dollars in the course of its contract to improve the arena. The Garden also is expanding the amenities in its premium seating area, which is targeted at corporations and wealthy individuals. So far, executives are keeping details of both projects under wraps, but they promise to divulge more in the coming weeks.

''We're going to be doing some very, very significant and substantive investments into the Garden that will be very visible," Wentzell said.

Wentzell replaces Rich Krezwick, who abruptly left the job last year.

Wentzell was the Garden's chief operating officer and general manager before he was named acting president upon Krezwick's departure. Already yesterday, TD Banknorth had placed an ad with the trade publication Sports Business Daily seeking a general manager. (Qualifications: ''A strong background in food and beverage management, with a minimum of 3 years experience in contract foodservice in a sports or entertainment environment." The Garden also asks for a commitment to customer service and demonstrated leadership skills.)

Wentzell has been at the Garden for about six years. As chief operating officer last year, he oversaw the facility's day-to-day operations.

Charlie Jacobs, a senior executive at the Garden's parent company, Delaware North Cos., said Wentzell's promotion sends a positive message. ''We have a great relationship with John that we've established over the years," he said.

Sasha Talcott can be reached at stalcott@globe.com.