Milla Mazilu named new Chair of APM

Milla Mazilu, Principal Programme Controls Manager at Network Rail Wales and Western Region, has been elected as the new chair of Association for Project Management (APM) by the organisation's Board of Trustees.

Milla began her railway career in 2005, initially working with Union Railways on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and later with Network Rail. More recently, she has focused on modernising processes and systems to improve project delivery. She joined APM’s Board of Trustees in 2016.

She will hold the role of APM Chair to May 2024. Milla takes over the role from Debbie Lewis, who was elected chair in 2020 and who presided for the majority of APM’s 50^th anniversary. During Debbie’s time as chair, she helped shape APM’s new strategy, and helped the organisation adjust to serve its members both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milla said: “I’m very pleased and greatly honoured to accept the role as Chair of APM. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees, as well as APM’s leadership team, to build the profile and respect the project profession warrants.

“I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Debbie Lewis, for all that she achieved during her time as Chair of APM. As the association’s new Chair, I will continue that momentum to ensure APM helps our profession deliver better in a changing and challenging world.”

Debbie Lewis herself commented: “First of all I would like to offer my congratulations to Milla Mazilu in their new role as Chair of APM’s Board of Trustees. I have found that it is not only a very personally fulfilling role, but also a role where you have fantastic opportunities to learn and develop. This comes from the wide range of members and other stakeholders that you have the privilege to meet and to work with. This is the project community; our community.

“APM is a role model organisation in its sector and I have been very proud to contribute to it in the way I have over the last two years as Chair. Personally it's time for a change for myself and that is why I am stepping down. However I will continue to contribute through other roles in APM and I know that the organisation is in safe hands.”

APM’s Chief Executive, Professor Adam Boddison, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Milla Mazilu as APM’s new Chair. I look forward to working with her on fulfilling our mission of advancing the science, theory and practice of project and programme management for the public benefit.

“I would also like to offer my sincere gratitude to Debbie Lewis for her tireless work and commitment as Board Chair.”