Sadiq Khan announces TfL commissioner Andy Lord appointment - with £40k pay rise

Transport for London’s (TfL) interim commissioner has been given the role on a permanent basis - with a substantial pay rise.

Andy Lord took on the temporary TfL commissioner role in October, following the departure of Andy Byford.

With the permanent roles comes an 11.3% pay bump, from £355,000 per year to £395,000. TfL says the salary is “less than the average base salaries of benchmarked comparator roles”.

In a statement, TfL said since becoming interim commissioner, Mr Lord’s focus has been on attracting customers to public transport, rebuilding TfL’s finances, advancing decarbonisation and “developing plans to further support TfL’s diverse staff and customers”.

TfL commissioner Andy Lord

Mr Lord said: “TfL is an incredible organisation, full of highly committed people who come to work each day to serve our customers and to make the capital a better place. I would like to thank them all for the incredible support they have given me. I am hugely honoured and proud to do this job and to have the opportunity to continue to steer TfL as we move forward with the work of supporting London’s recovery from the pandemic, ensuring TfL better reflects the diverse city we serve whilst becoming the green heartbeat of the capital.

“In the months ahead, one of my key focuses will be on securing the long-term Government funding that we need to continue our vital work. With transport authorities across the UK now having long-term ‘London-style’ funding agreements in place, London is now ironically the outlier. With the amazing economic driver that is the Elizabeth line, and with our partners and supply chain across the country, we have proven that investment in transport in London can benefit the entire UK. We must now move forward and work together to provide the services and infrastructure that will benefit everyone.”

Mr Lord joined TfL in November 2019 as managing director of London Underground and became chief operating officer for TfL operations in 2022.

Elizabeth line and Bank upgrade

A TfL statement said: “Andy has overseen the completion of the transformational Elizabeth line railway, the completion of the Bank station upgrade, the development of the plans for new bus provision in outer London, the delivery of new cycleways, and TfL’s work to support safe and successful events to mark the coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

“As managing director of London Underground, Andy led the transport network's operational response to the Covid pandemic. He has been responsible for the safe and reliable introduction of Elizabeth line services, the Northern line extension, and the extension of London Overground to Barking Riverside. As TfL's chief operating officer, Andy led the operational transport response for key events across the city, most notably the Platinum Jubilee and the ceremonial events marking the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.”

Mr Lord previously spent nearly 30 years in commercial aviation, including 26 years at British Airways, where he became director of operations for seven years. He is a non-executive director for the UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Equipment and Support Agency.

London mayor Sadiq Khan

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm delighted to confirm Andy Lord as London's permanent transport commissioner. Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to lead TfL as we work to deliver the most affordable, accessible and sustainable transport network possible.

“I have seen first-hand Andy’s dedication to rebuilding TfL’s finances following the devastating impact of the pandemic and his commitment to delivering better services for Londoners and more sustainable travel across the capital, as well as promoting walking and cycling.

“I look forward to working with Andy as we continue building a safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone – and a transport system that remains the envy of the world.”

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