Board appoints Rick Leary as Acting CEO

Dear Colleagues,

Last week was bittersweet for me: I announced that I would be leaving the TTC effective Dec. 22 after more than five wonderful years here to take up the role of president of New York City Transit. It will be sad to say goodbye, but I am excited to take on this great challenge in New York.

It is also important for me, and for us all, that the TTC’s journey of being the best in North America continue, as there is much still to do. Stability for an organization the size of ours is important. To that end, the TTC Board, yesterday, unanimously approved the appointment of Deputy CEO/Chief Service Officer Rick Leary as Acting CEO effective Dec. 23. An executive search is now underway for a permanent CEO.

Until then, I know I can count on each of you to give Rick the same commitment and support you have given me since joining this great company. Rick has served as the first chief of the newly formed Service Delivery Group and, more recently, has been my Deputy. Prior to joining the TTC in 2014, Rick was General Manager for York Region Transit for five years.

Rick came to Canada from Boston and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Beginning his career as a train attendant in 1984, he rose through the ranks in subway operations and eventually became Manager of Fare Collection Procurements, Director of Vehicle Engineering and Director of Bus and Engineering. After serving four years as Chief Operating Officer there, Rick moved his family to Canada in 2009 to head up YRT.

I’m hoping Rick can join me as I make my way around the property to say goodbye and thank you to you all over the next few weeks. Otherwise, I know he will be out early in January to say hello. The TTC is in good hands under Rick and I am delighted to TTC Board was unanimous in their support of him.

Andy Byford
Chief Executive Officer
November 29, 2017