MPA

Andy is the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, prior to which he spent 30 years as a practitioner, consultant and assurer of complex projects and programmes for public, private and third sector organisations both domestically and internationally. He has a focus on project governance, the treatment of inherent project complexity and organisational development of project capability.

Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.

Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.

Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.

An infrastructure professional with a Doctorate in Business Administration, Siân takes pride in providing a unique and powerful combination of expertise and diversity of thought. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Management Institute, Siân has spent over 25 years in infrastructure delivering in general business, project and operational roles. With experience across UK regulated water utilities, international oil and gas, rail and construction megaprojects, she brings a range of alternative perspectives to enabling success and driving change.

As the Director of Strategic Asset Management at Anglian Water, she is focused on leading the organisations asset management strategy for the long term, enabling great short- and medium-term decision making. Siân also has the privilege of leading the teams developing some of the East of England's major infrastructure investments that will secure water resources for future generations.

David Emery is a Project Director at Balfour Beatty with extensive experience leading complex infrastructure and major construction projects. He specialises in project mobilisation, portfolio and programme management, health and safety leadership, and building high-performing teams. David is passionate about creating collaborative cultures that drive successful project outcomes, enhance workforce wellbeing, and improve safety performance. He regularly supports industry forums, leadership events, and major project initiatives, sharing practical insights on delivery excellence, human factors, and organisational success.

Phil Smith is Managing Director of Critical Team Performance and has over 25 years' experience in Human Performance training and coaching. A former Royal Air Force Senior Instructor and Operational Crewman, he specialises in Human Error, Leadership, and Behavioural Change. Since founding Critical Team Performance in 2007, Phil has supported high-risk industries including aviation, healthcare, oil and gas, defence, and critical infrastructure. His expertise includes leadership development, human factors, safety culture, change management, and high-performing team effectiveness.

Dr Christine Unterhitzenberger ChPP is an Associate Professor of Project Management at the University of Leeds and Director of the Leeds Centre for Projects. Her research is focused on behavioural and organisational aspects in projects incl. organisational justice and governance. She has successfully secured funding from the EU Horizon 2020 RISE, the ESRC, the Association for Project Management (APM) and the World University Network (WUN). She is Associate Editor for the International Journal of Project Management, former Department Editor for the Project Management Journal, Founder and Chair of the Project Experiences SIG at the British Academy of Management and Chair Elect of the Project Organising SIG at the European Academy of Management. She is also a member of the Studies and Knowledge Committee of the Major Projects Association and the former Chair of the APM Research Advisory Group. Prior to her academic career she worked for almost ten years as a project manager in the construction industry.

Jenny McLaughlin has worked within the airport industry for over 20 years. This began at East Midlands Airport, including working on ISO14001 accreditation and an airspace change. The last 18 years have been at Heathrow Airport in a number of departments including Environment, Airside and now Infrastructure.

Jenny has delivered a number of business changes, introducing new IT applications, to infrastructure delivery such as taxiway rehabilitation, fire training ground villa complex to new Virtual Contingency Facility. Now working as a senior project manager within the Long Term Growth programme.

Jenny is dyslexic and has ADHD and believes that “the way that my brain is wired differently is an asset”. Jenny is a speaker at a number of industry events on ‘Systematic Inclusion’, bringing to life the criticality of accessibility if we are to remain a safe and sustainable industry. This is most evident in being a key player in creation of RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay published summer 2023 and launch of Equitable Safety Initiative (ESI) in 2025.

Finally, Jenny is a Governor for Harrow Richmond and Uxbridge College, and leading the Heathrow Inclusive Learners Partnership to ensure equitable pathways for learners to gain experience, internships and work.

Jenny advocates for systems thinking to create and improve the way we interreact and build the world around us.

An infrastructure professional with a Doctorate in Business Administration, Siân takes pride in providing a unique and powerful combination of expertise and diversity of thought. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Management Institute, Siân has spent over 25 years in infrastructure delivering in general business, project and operational roles. With experience across UK regulated water utilities, international oil and gas, rail and construction megaprojects, she brings a range of alternative perspectives to enabling success and driving change.

As the Director of Strategic Asset Management at Anglian Water, she is focused on leading the organisations asset management strategy for the long term, enabling great short- and medium-term decision making. Siân also has the privilege of leading the teams developing some of the East of England's major infrastructure investments that will secure water resources for future generations.