Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick,[1] Murray previously was the city manager of Hamilton, Ontario, and he is the present chair of the Municipal Benchmarking Network of Canada.

Prior to his appointment, Murray outlined various organizational changes he wished to make, including restructuring city divisions and creating a new chief of staff position.

[5][14][15] Tracey Cook, a deputy city manager, acted in the role until the appointment of Paul Johnson on December 2.

[16] On June 4, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Murray spoke out against anti-Black racism, saying "silence is not an option.

"[17] Murray noted that he does not "worry that the next George Floyd will be me, my child or my family member", that "racialized and immigrant communities are providing Toronto with more front-line and personal support workers who put themselves at risk every day than other communities", and he encouraged city staff to "speak up and take action for change.