Former head of New York City Transit Authority, Andy Byford, will be London's new Transport Commissioner - returning to lead the capital's network after starting out there as a graduate trainee.
Mr Byford’s was president and chief executive officer of New York City Transit Authority, where he was responsible for 50,000 staff and devised a $40bn five-year investment plan to renew the city’s transport system.
However, he started his career on London Underground as a graduate trainee in 1989 before working his way up to general manager –customer service for the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines.
He will join Transport for London (TfL) on 29 June, with the current commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, staying on until 10 July to help with the handover before taking up a position overseeing the renovation of the Houses of Parliament.
Mr Byford's CV includes CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission, Canada, COO and deputy CEO of the Rail Corporation New South Wales, Australia, director of operations on Southern Railway and various roles at London Underground.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'COVID-19 has had a profound impact on public transport in London but Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to lead TfL as it faces this unprecedented challenge.
'I would like to place on record my gratitude to Mike Brown for everything he has done for the capital since starting at TfL in 1989. I wish him the best of luck in his new role.'
Mr Byford said: 'I am delighted to be taking up the role of Commissioner and to have been chosen to lead the organisation where I started my transport career over 30 years ago.
'In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, all transport authorities around the world will need to reimagine how their services and projects contribute to the safe and sustainable re-start of the social and economic lives of the cities they serve. It is a huge challenge, but I know that Transport for London has some of the best people anywhere in the world and we will meet these challenges and will together help build an even better city for everyone.'
Mr Byford grew up in Plymouth, Devon.
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