Metrolinx
Michael Lindsay has served as Metrolinx’s interim President and CEO since Dec. 16, 2024, following the resignation of Phil Verster.
According to Metrolinx, the Board of Directors conducted an “extensive global search” to identify its next leader. “Having demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mandate during his interim tenure,” the agency said, “Michael was selected for the permanent role.”
Lindsay was previously President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario (IO), where he worked with both public and private sectors to build, manage, finance, and improve the value of the province’s assets. He was promoted to that role in 2020, after serving as IO’s President, Project Delivery. Lindsay has also worked as Special Advisor to the government of Ontario on the upload of the Toronto subway system; Head of Strategic Partnerships and Government for the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario; Global Director of Infrastructure Planning & Advisory at Hatch; Senior Vice President of Commercial Projects at IO; and Associate Principal with McKinsey & Company. He is a graduate of Oxford and Queen’s University.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Michael as our President and CEO,” said Don Wright, Chair of the Metrolinx Board. “His proven ability to inspire the team and drive progress during the interim period gives us great confidence in his leadership as we move forward.”
“I am humbled and honored to be offered this important responsibility,” Michael Lindsay said. “I look forward to working with our talented team and partners to deliver the modern and high-quality transit network our communities need and deserve.”
Angela Clayton has accepted the permanent appointment to CEO of IO.
Urban Engineers
Andrew Royston is taking on a new role at Urban Engineers, a multidisciplinary planning, design, environmental, and construction support services consulting firm. He will lead FTA Project Management Oversight (PMO) efforts for the firm, which has partnered with the FTA for more than 35 years on projects in all 10 regions.
Royston will focus on “strategic leadership and technical oversight for FTA projects, concentrating on compliance, accountability, risk management, and the successful delivery of complex capital programs,” according to Urban Engineers.
With nearly 20 years of rail and transit experience, including more than a decade dedicated to FTA PMO assignments, Royston has “successfully managed multi-billion-dollar, federally funded infrastructure programs, including mega projects from Boston to Los Angeles,” Urban Engineers reported.
“Andrew Royston has earned the complete respect and trust of the FTA, as well as FTA’s various project sponsors,” Urban Engineers Vice President Albert Scala said. “His program leadership helps to ensure that major capital transit projects are executed professionally, efficiently, and in conformance with applicable statutes, regulations, and project management practices.”
“The success of our transit infrastructure projects directly impacts the communities we serve,” Royston said. “That is why I’m committed and excited to bring my experience to the table as we work to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Together, we can create transit solutions that improve mobility and quality of life.”
Keolis Group
Keolis Group on June 26 reported that it has promoted Abdellah Chajai to Executive Director of Marketing, Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Engagement, effective Sept. 1. For the past four years, he has served as CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Commuter Rail operations and maintenance partner for more than 10 years. KCS is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA); both are headquartered in Boston and part of Keolis Group.
“During Abdellah’s tenure in Boston, Keolis has further improved Commuter Rail performance and ridership, advanced decarbonization with a project to bring battery-electric trains to the Fairmount Line, and delivered best-in-class service to our passengers,” Keolis Group reported. “Abdellah oversaw the transition to clockface scheduling, and the Commuter Rail continues to see the nation’s highest return of riders post-COVID.”
“Keolis Commuter Services is committed to continuing this momentum and to bringing in a new CEO to lead Keolis Commuter Services and the MBTA Commuter Rail operation into the future,” the company continued.
“I want to congratulate Abdellah on his appointment to the Keolis Group executive committee,” KNA President and CEO Brad Thomas said. “I’m grateful for his dedication to our employees, the MBTA and the passengers we serve with safe, reliable Commuter Rail service. We’re all thankful for his visionary leadership here in Boston and look forward to continuing our work together in his new role.”
“I am proud of what the Keolis team has accomplished during my time in Boston, and in my new role I will continue to be a champion for the important work happening here,” Abdellah Chajai said.
