TTC CEO Andy Byford named Communicator of the Year
Today, Andy Byford was named International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)/Toronto Communicator of the Year for 2016, one day before he marks five years as CEO of the TTC. IABC/Toronto Communicator of the Year is a prestigious award bestowed annually since 1997 to an industry leader in the Greater Toronto Area who inspires and engages internal and external audiences and clearly demonstrates the link between excellence in communications and an organization's success.
"I am honoured to be this year's recipient of the IABC Communicator of the Year award and I gratefully accept it on behalf of the 14,000 men and women of the TTC," Byford said. "Good communication is key to the success of any business and it is integral to the work we are doing to make the TTC a transit system that makes Toronto proud."
In his five years as CEO, Byford has focused on modernizing the TTC and how it communicates with customers, employees and stakeholders. He fights for customers and funding alike on the front pages and in the corridors of power. He addresses customers directly, personally writing a weekly newspaper column that highlights the work the TTC is doing to make their transit system, once again, a North American leader.
Along with Brad Ross, Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Byford's "explainer" videos have dealt with a wide range of subjects including making the TTC more accessible, why the subway needs weekend closures as it installs a new state-of-the-art signal system, how and when to use emergency alarms on subway trains, and why a busy streetcar route must go on a prolonged diversion to accommodate massive infrastructure upgrades.
Byford has also set out to improve communication with the TTC's 14,000 employees, and introduced the TTC's first employee engagement survey, ensuring that action was taken on the feedback received. Under his leadership, a revamped Rewards and Recognition program has led to dozens of employees - including an 'Employee of the Year' - being recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Byford has proven himself to be accessible and transparent, and his openness and honesty make him sought after by media and as a speaker by peer groups.
The TTC congratulates Andy Byford, IABC/Toronto Communicator of the Year.
About IABC:
IABC was founded in 1970 and currently operates in more than 80 countries, with more than 100 chapters worldwide. IABC/Toronto is recognized as the association's largest chapter in the world with more than 1,200 members. The organization is focused on providing members with professional resources and a network of more than 16,000 communicators, internationally. Visit the IABC/Toronto chapter for more information.