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 PMINZ’s growth and impact.

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 organisation’s strategic goals. He is focused on strengthening PMINZ’s presence and growing its impact across the country.

Board Directors

Olga Lozova

Dr Olga Lozova, GPM-b™ is a strategic programme leader serving as Commercial Solar Programme Manager at Fisher & Paykel, leading the organisation’s commercial solar energy programme as part of its decarbonisation strategy. She is also an Executive Partner at Empowerment PM Solutions. Originally from Ukraine, Olga has built an international career spanning Europe, the Middle East, and New Zealand – beginning as an architect before transitioning into project and programme management, delivering complex, multi-million-dollar infrastructure programmes across education, construction, and energy sectors over more than 25 years.

She holds a PhD in Built Environment Engineering alongside masters degrees in Architecture and Construction Project Management, and has lectured at AUT in Construction Project Management, Engineering, and Construction Economics. In New Zealand, she has led significant Ministry of Education infrastructure programmes, delivering school projects ahead of schedule and under budget. At PMINZ, she founded and led WiPM (Women in Project Management), served as Auckland Branch Lead, and this year convenes the PMINZ Awards 2026. She publishes academic papers, contributes to PMINZ’s knowledge community, and presents at conferences and institutions on project management, sustainability, and leadership.

Olga is widely recognised as a pracademic – combining academic insight with hands-on delivery experience across boardrooms, construction sites, and lecture theatres. Known for her ability to connect people, ideas, and disciplines, she is a committed mentor, coach, and advocate for inclusive leadership, sustainability, and the advancement of the project management profession.

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 Aurecon’s 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.

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 PMI’s 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.

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 years’ experience guiding organisations through complex change across energy and technology, in both public and private domains. Currently overseeing Vector’s digital portfolio in Electricity, Gas, and Fibre, Craig manages the investment and governance focused on supporting Aotearoa’s 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 PMP®, while holding several agile qualifications (LeSS Practitioner, PSPO I, ICP-APM).

Contact the Board

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.

Craig Turner

Olga Lozova