In the project management profession, where evolving landscapes demand steadfast leadership and dynamic adaptability, Ike Nwankwo, MSc, MBA, PMP, stands as a figure of enduring influence.

As member of the PMI Board of Directors (2021–2026) and the 2025 Chair of the PMI Board of Directors, he brings not only deep institutional knowledge, but also a rare breadth of technical and strategic expertise that continues to inspire confidence across the global PMI community.

It is perhaps overdue that we offer a fuller acknowledgment of Mr. Nwankwo’s remarkable profile, an individual whose commitment to service has quietly shaped outcomes behind the scenes for decades. His reputation for driving transformation, while rooted in methodical execution and stakeholder alignment, is complemented by a deeply human approach to leadership: practical, collaborative, and resolutely outcome focused.

Mr. Nwankwo’s distinguished credentials read like a roadmap of excellence across disciplines. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP), a Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM), a Prince2 Practitioner, a PMO Practitioner, an AgilePM Practitioner, a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, and a Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM).

Each designation adds another layer of depth to a career defined by rigorous thinking and consistent delivery.

Yet titles only begin to tell the story. Throughout his career, Mr. Nwankwo has cultivated a reputation for driving strategic value across sectors, acting as a trusted advisor and transformation leader for high-profile clients in both public and private sectors. His core competencies include strategic planning and execution, stakeholder and client management, governance and compliance, risk mitigation, financial oversight, and the delivery of business-critical solutions across portfolios and programmes.

In his current role as Managing Director of Distinct Management Ltd., he has successfully delivered consultancy, interim management, and training solutions to a diverse international client base. Whether enabling organizations to meet strategic objectives or guiding teams through complex change, he demonstrates unwavering professionalism and a results-oriented mindset.

Notably, Mr. Nwankwo is a proud member of the PMI UK Chapter, where his stature and international leadership significantly contribute to the Chapter’s global reputation. His involvement highlights the calibre of talent associated with the UK Chapter and strengthens its position within the wider PMI community.

More than a technician of transformation, Ike is known as an articulate communicator and inclusive leader, consistently noted for his analytical approach, objective reasoning, and capacity to build trust. He balances critical thinking with practical guidance, motivating teams while upholding high standards of governance and ethical conduct. His style is open yet focused, strategic yet hands-on, an approach that has proven effective in even the most complex environments.

Beyond his executive and consulting roles, Ike Nwankwo is a respected speaker, mentor, trainer, author, and entrepreneur. A committed professional volunteer, he is driven by a deep passion to mentor and “give back”, an ethos that has defined his longstanding engagement with PMI and the broader project management community.

In his own words, the mission is clear: to enable individuals and organizations to thrive through clarity of vision, disciplined execution, and inclusive leadership. And it is precisely this mission that guides his chairmanship of the PMI Board, fostering global collaboration, strengthening PMI’s strategic direction, and championing diversity in thought and practice.

If we, as a PMI UK Chapter, have not always fully captured the scope of Mr. Nwankwo’s contributions, we do so now with renewed purpose and sincere appreciation. It is leaders like him who remind us that success in project management is not only about tools or timelines, but about people, purpose, and progress.

Ike Nwankwo continues to set an example not just for how we manage projects, but for how we lead transformation: ethically, inclusively, and with lasting impact.

Franco Guarrella

President PMI UK Chapter