PMINZ – About Us – Board of Directors
PMI New Zealand Chapter
Board of Directors
PMINZ is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the chapter’s strategic direction, governance, and overall performance. The Board brings energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to influence and oversee PMINZās growth and impact.Ā
President
Carol Speirs 
Carol has been a PMI member since 1999, earning her PMP that same year. She has contributed to PMP exam question development, attended international conferences, and helped organise PMINZ conferences. With a background in power generation, banking, consulting, software, and engineering, Carol brings a wealth of project management experience. Passionate about education, she has trained professionals in both traditional and agile project management. She thrives on helping learners connect theory with real-world application. Her career has taken her to unique environments, including nuclear power sites and correctional facilities-always in a teaching capacity!
Vice President of Finance
Warren Wilks
Originally from the UK, Warren has called New Zealand home for 18 years. His career began in construction before earning a degree in project management, which led him to NZ. Warren brings extensive experience and enthusiasm to PMINZ, committed to supporting members while driving the organisationās strategic goals. He is focused on strengthening PMINZās presence and growing its impact across the country.Ā
Board Directors
Dr OIga Lozova
Dr Olga Lozova is a strategic, visionary leader shaping Aotearoaās built environment through sustainable, community-focused infrastructure projects. Holding First-Class HonoursĀ MArchĀ and MCM, along with a PhD in Built Environment Engineering, she brings over 20 years of experience delivering multimillion-dollar infrastructure portfolios across government and private sectors. AĀ respected educator and mentor, Olga lectures AUT students in project engineering, construction project management, and construction economics. She actively supports emerging professionals and advocates for women in the industry. Her projects extend beyond traditional scope, quality, and time targets to achieve broader social, environmental, andĀ economic outcomes.Ā
A finalist for the 2024 NAWIC Outstanding Leader and 2025 PMINZ Professional of the Year, Olga is a connector, collaborator, and conduit ā bringing knowledge, energy, ethics, and governance to convert strategic vision into operational excellence.
Brandon Byford
Brandon Byford is a distinguished project management professional with over 17 years of experience driving organisational excellence across various industries. Known for fostering innovation and implementing efficient processes, Brandon’s expertise is rooted in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and outstanding governance. Throughout his career, Brandon has shown a strong commitment to empowering teams and nurturing future leaders. His hands-on mentorship style has both fostered emerging talent and created a vibrant and inclusive leadership pipeline. As an engaged member of Aureconās Project Management and Operational Excellence committees, he has effectively championed initiatives that boost member engagement and bring innovative solutions to life, showcasing his genuine passion for collaboration and community building.Ā
As a committed member of PMI New Zealand, Brandon has a deep understanding of the diverse needs within the project management community. He is especially passionate about expanding access to professional development opportunities and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the profession, making sure that every voice is heard and valued. Recognized globally for his expertise, Brandon boasts an impressive portfolio of certifications, including PfMP, PgMP, PMP, PMI-SCP, PMI-ACP, and PMI-RMP, which places him among a distinguished group worldwide. His steadfast commitment to PMIās ethical standards highlights his dedication to transparency, respect, and accountability.
Sylvia Maclaren
Sylvia is the Managing Director of Storm, a Christchurch-based project management and water engineering consultancy. She holds a BSc(Hons) and MBA(Hons) and is actively involved in PMINZ, the Institute of Directors, Water NZ, and NAWIC. She also volunteers with the PMINZ Climate Change and Sustainability Action Group, contributing to sustainability initiatives for Christchurch City Council. A strategic thinker and experienced leader, Sylvia thrives in collaborative, high-performance environments. She has a strong interest in governance, was a Women in Governance Emerging Leader finalist in 2017, and completed her MBA thesis on female board participation.Ā
Max Krotov
Max has been a PMINZ member since 2022, earning his PMP in the same year. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Product Development from Massey University. He was instrumental in the resurrection of the PMINZ Waikato branch and became its lead in 2024. Since then, he has led a successful delivery of Waikato’s inaugural Project Management Day of Service and PMINZ Conference. His career taught him to be practical and make weighted decisions under pressure. Max has extensive project delivery experience across sectors, including energy, transport, dairy and water. He has a strong focus on regional NZ and relishes seeing his teams achieve more than they thought possible.
Craig Turner
Craig Turner is a strategic transformation and delivery leader with over 20 yearsā experience guiding organisations through complex change across energy and technology, in both public and private domains. Currently overseeing Vectorās digital portfolio in Electricity, Gas, and Fibre, Craig manages the investment and governance focused on supporting Aotearoaās sustainable energy transition.
Craig has held senior governance and delivery roles internationally and in New Zealand at Vector, The Warehouse Group, EROAD, and TVNZ, leading operating model transitions, agile transformations, and board-level investment and risk forums. His expertise spans portfolio management, enterprise governance, and sustainable delivery, underpinned by a Master of Sustainable Business (Distinction), Otago 2024, BE (Hons) and PMPĀ®, while holding several agile qualifications (LeSS Practitioner, PSPO I, ICP-APM).
Contact the Board
Ā
Please email info@pmi.nz
Board 2026-2028
Sincere congratulations go to the following four successful candidates, all of whom have accepted Board positions for 2026-2028.
Ā Craig Turner
OlgaĀ Lozova
Sylvia Maclaren
Carol Speirs