TORONTO — Former Toronto mayor John Tory is stepping into a prominent new role in the city’s cultural sector after being appointed chair of the Toronto International Film Festival’s board of directors.
TIFF announced the appointment Thursday, with Tory’s official term as board chair set to begin October 1.
He will succeed Jeffrey Remedios, who has served as chair since 2021 and is being credited by the organization with helping guide TIFF through several important years, including the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, improvements to TIFF Lightbox and preparations surrounding the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
Tory served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 until 2023 and has held senior positions across business, broadcasting and civic organizations.
In announcing the appointment, TIFF described Tory as an experienced civic and business leader with longstanding connections to Toronto’s cultural and philanthropic communities.
His relationship with TIFF also predates his years as mayor. Tory previously served as co-chair of the fundraising campaign that helped establish TIFF Lightbox, the organization’s year-round cultural and film centre in downtown Toronto.
During his time at City Hall, Tory was also a strong supporter of the festival, which has grown into one of Toronto’s most internationally recognized cultural events and an important destination on the global film calendar.
Tory said he is looking forward to taking over from Remedios and building on the foundation established under his leadership.
He described TIFF as an extraordinary institution with an important role not only for Toronto and Canada but also internationally.
Tory said he plans to work with the board, TIFF leadership, filmmakers, artists and the broader film community as the organization enters its next chapter, with a continued focus on storytelling, diverse voices and maintaining TIFF’s position as an important platform for film and culture.
The leadership transition comes as TIFF moves beyond its milestone 50th anniversary and looks toward its future in an entertainment industry undergoing significant changes, including the growth of streaming platforms, evolving theatrical audiences and new technologies affecting film production and distribution.
TIFF also announced another change to its board, with Asha Daniere departing after nine years of service in several roles, including six years as board chair.
At the same time, three prominent Canadian business and cultural figures are joining the board.
The new members are Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority; filmmaker, producer and philanthropist David Furnish; and Daniel Tisch Echevarría, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Tory’s appointment gives the former mayor another major public-facing role in Toronto, this time helping guide one of the city’s most recognizable international cultural institutions.
His term as chair officially begins October 1.