Debbie Lewis welcomed as new chair of APM

22 Sep 2020 12:27 PM

Association for Project Management (APM) board trustee Debbie Lewis has officially become the organisation’s new chair, following her election by the Board.

Ms Lewis is director of strategic architecture programmes at BT, managing a portfolio of large-scale complex programmes that underpin BT’s network and IT architectural ambitions. She was programme director for establishing BT’s Ultrafast and 5G programmes.

In her new role of chair, which she will fulfil for a two-year term, Ms Lewis will be focusing on bolstering APM’s membership proposition and reinforcing its position as the chartered body of the project profession internationally. She takes over the role from outgoing chair John McGlynn, director at design, engineering and project management consultancy Atkins, who was elected as a trustee in 2014 and as chair in 2016.

Ms Lewis yesterday said:

“I am delighted to take on the role of board chair for APM and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees in this new capacity. I am excited to continue to embed the work of my predecessor, John McGlynn, and to play a leading role in helping strengthen the association into one fit for the exciting future that beckons.”

APM’s chief executive, Debbie Dore, yesterday said:

“I am thrilled that Debbie Lewis has taken on the role of chair at such a critical time for the profession and very much look forward to working with her in her new role.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion of all kinds is a core focus for APM and having a female chair demonstrates again the progressive, forward-thinking nature of our Board. As a positive role model, I am sure Debbie will inspire more people of all genders, ages and backgrounds to develop in their careers and play leading roles in shaping the future of project profession.

“I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to outgoing chair John McGlynn, whose dedication in this role has helped APM go from strength to strength.”

Milla Mazilu has been elected as second deputy chair, alongside incumbent Alistair Godbold, who will continue in that role. Milla Mazilu will serve a one-year term as deputy chair.