Tributes paid to former APM President, Professor Tony Ridley

Professor Tony Ridley CBE FREng, former President and Honorary Fellow of the Association for Project Management (APM), has died aged 92.

One of the most distinguished engineers of his generation, Professor Ridley built a remarkable career  delivering complex public transport systems across the UK and internationally. He was the visionary figure  behind the Tyne and Wear Metro, helping to transform urban mobility in North East England and shaping infrastructure used by millions of people every day.

Professor Ridley held senior leadership roles including Managing Director of the Hong Kong Metro, Managing Director of London Underground and Docklands Light Railway, and was President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He played an important role in making the London 2012 Olympics a success by serving as senior transport adviser for the Olympic bid. As Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, he dedicated himself to educating future generations of engineers and project practitioners.

He was named an Honorary Fellow of APM in 1997 and was President of APM from 2000-2003. As an active president, he knew that APM had to change if it was to move forward and urged the association to ‘fix our processes’. The Council responded and The Change Project (TCP) was born, with the aim of re-shaping APM, and so dawned a new era for the association.

In 2017, Professor Ridley shared the story of his career in his book, Engineering In Perspective: Lessons for a Successful Career, in which he highlighted the importance of interpersonal and political skills alongside traditional engineering skills.

Philip Isgar, himself an Honorary Fellow of APM, said: “Tony was an excellent friend who I met with and supported many times at the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Major Projects Association and APM. I had the Honor of reviewing his book many years ago for APM. He will be sadly missed.”

Professor Adam Boddison OBE, APM’s Chief Executive, said: “Professor Tony Radley’s impact on APM and the wider profession was profound and lasting. During his time as APM President, Tony recognised that the association needed to evolve to serve a growing and maturing profession. He was a passionate advocate for change, challenging us to ‘fix our processes’ and helping to spark The Change Project, which reshaped APM and marked the beginning of a new era for us.

“Tony’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to professional excellence continue to influence APM today. We remember him with great respect and gratitude, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who worked alongside him.”

APM extends its deepest condolences to Professor Ridley’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.