Canada
TIFF’s Board of Directors appoints John Tory as Chair as Jeffrey Remedios completes his leadership tenure: The Board of Directors for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced the appointment of John Tory as the new Chair of its Board of Directors, replacing long-standing board member Jeffrey Remedios who has held the role of Chair since 2021. Tory is a distinguished civic leader, business leader, and strategic advisor who served as Mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. He is widely recognized for his commitment to the city and its cultural community, as well as his leadership across the business, civic, and philanthropic sectors. During his tenure as mayor, he was a strong supporter of TIFF and served as co-chair of the campaign to build TIFF Lightbox. His term as Chair begins October 1, 2026.
Over the course of his tenure, Jeffrey Remedios, President & CEO, REPUBLIC Collective, Universal Music Group, championed distinct and diverse voices and played a pivotal role in helping TIFF navigate its post-pandemic recovery. His leadership came at a transformative time for the organization, including the refresh of TIFF Lightbox, preparations for its highly anticipated 50th anniversary edition, and the launch of TIFF: The Market. Remedios led the development of TIFF’s strategic planning exercises and helped navigate critical industry challenges, including the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. He also served as Board lead for the TIFF Tribute Awards, one of the organization’s premier industry events and an important fundraiser supporting TIFF’s year-round initiatives.
“I look forward to taking the helm from Jeffrey and building on the strong foundation he has established,” said John Tory. “TIFF is an extraordinary institution with an important role to play for Toronto, Canada, and around the world. I’m excited to work with the Board, leadership team, artists, filmmakers, and the broader TIFF community to help shape its next chapter. Together, we can continue to champion bold storytelling, foster diverse voices, and ensure TIFF remains a vital platform for the future of film and culture.”
“Building human connection and community has never been more important. TIFF exists to connect audiences with stories that challenge, inspire, and bring us together, and it has been my great honour to serve as Chair of TIFF’s Board,” said Jeffrey Remedios. “Under Cameron Bailey’s phenomenal leadership, TIFF continues to champion artists, and artistic expression in all its forms, creating vital space for new voices and perspectives. As I finish my time as Chair, I share my gratitude and thanks to John, Cameron, the TIFF team, and my board colleagues, past and present. TIFF is one of the things that makes our city and country so special, and I’ll be forever proud of the part I’ve played in its journey.”
TIFF also recognizes Asha Daniere, who departs the Board after serving a term of nine years, including six years as Chair, Governance, Nominating & HR Committee. TIFF extends its sincere thanks and appreciation for her years of service and contribution to the organization.
TIFF welcomes three new Board members
In addition to the appointment of its new Board Chair, TIFF is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors:
- Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority
- David Furnish, Filmmaker, Producer, and Philanthropist
- Daniel Tisch Echevarría, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
They join TIFF’s existing Board of Directors, which includes Michael Chisholm, Mary DePaoli, Christa Dickenson, Damon D’Oliveira, Joanna Griffiths, Tawfik Hammoud, Ana P. Lopes, John Ruffolo, Awanish Sinha, Andrea Van Leeuwen, and Michael Worb.
For the full list of TIFF’s Board of Directors, visit TIFF About.
