Dr Paul Chapman named OBE in New Year Honours list

Dr Paul Chapman, Senior Fellow in Operations Management at Saïd Business School and former Vice President of Association for Project Management (APM), has been named Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list.

The Honour has been awarded in recognition for services to the project delivery profession.

In a 30-year career, Dr Chapman has worked as a researcher, academic and government advisor on project management. In his role at Saïd Business School, he is Director for the UK Government’s Major Project Leadership Academy and serves as Chair of APM’s Research Advisory Group.

He said he hoped the Honour would increase recognition of the entire project profession.

When asked how he felt upon hearing the news he would receive an OBE, Dr Chapman said: "There was a genuine sense of ‘wow’. I was surprised but delighted. It all feels very grand.

"I have always been motivated by getting things done. There is an element of that in my role, but I also work with a lot of like-minded individuals who always want to get things done, and to do it better. They have definitely inspired me.

"Thirty years ago, there wasn’t a project profession to speak of. Now there is – one that has its own standards and a chartered professional body in APM. That has been instrumental in raising awareness for project delivery. I’m honoured to receive this OBE and I hope it adds to that recognition for the profession."

APM’s Chief Executive, Professor Adam Boddison, said: "I’m delighted for Paul and wholeheartedly congratulate him on his OBE. He is a true leader who has driven the project profession forward for years through research, knowledge-sharing and advocacy. This recognition is well-deserved."