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The University of Toronto has appointed award-winning communicator David Estok as vice-president, communications.

Most recently vice-president, brand marketing and communications for SickKids Foundation, Estok has also served as associate vice-president communications and public affairs at the University of Western Ontario, editor-in-chief of the Hamilton Spectator, and in senior editorial positions at Maclean’s Magazine and the Financial Post.

The creation of the new position of vice-president, communications was approved by the Governing Council last fall, following a comprehensive review of institutional communications. The mandate of the vice-president will be to transform the University's communications function, including both centralized and decentralized elements, into a strategic asset that supports the University's goals related to funding, reputation, and ranking.  

The appointment, ratified by Governing Council Feb. 26, was recommended by a search committee led by President Meric Gertler. The 13-member committee included students, faculty, staff, alumni and senior university administrators.

“On behalf of the entire U of T community, I am delighted to welcome David Estok and to congratulate him on his appointment to the senior leadership team of the university,” Gertler said. “Mr. Estok brings to his new position a deeply impressive record of leadership and accomplishment as a communications executive in fields directly relevant to the university’s mission and priorities. U of T has a great story to tell, and I am confident that Mr. Estok will enable us to tell it more effectively than ever before.”

Estok has won numerous awards in journalism, communications and public relations. Under his leadership, the Hamilton Spectator was named best news organization in Canada. At SickKids Foundation, his team won several national awards from the Canadian Marketing Association for integrated marketing and communications programs. Other awards include Journalist of the Year from the Western Ontario Newspaper Association and an International Association of Business Communicators Virtuoso Award for Web communications. 

While leading communications at Western, he also taught journalism, communications, and public affairs courses. He is also known for his community involvement and was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for contribution to community and outstanding achievement. He has been active with the YMCA, London Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Press Council, Jobs Prosperity Coalition, United Way, Hamilton Tiger Cats and the 100th Grey Cup committee.

“I am delighted to be joining President Gertler’s senior team as the vice-president, communications,” Estok said. “It is an extraordinary opportunity and exciting time for communications at the University and I am looking forward to meeting and working with people across the three campuses to get the word out about all that is the University of Toronto.”