International Project Management Association Elected New Head
The federation of over 70 member groups has appointed new leadership to guide its focus on AI and sustainability.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
The International Project Management Association (IPMA) unanimously elected Vladimir Obradović as its new President. This leadership change aims to increase the global impact of the organization as it shifts toward prioritizing private-sector capabilities.
Why it matters
The organization's pivot toward artificial intelligence and sustainability standards creates new benchmarks for project management operations globally. Businesses relying on IPMA-certified methodologies should monitor these strategic shifts for potential changes to industry standards.
The IPMA operates as a federation comprising 70 national member associations. The transition follows a formal election process that filled the presidency, two vice presidency roles, and the chair of the Council of Delegates.
The players
Vladimir Obradović
The newly elected President of the International Project Management Association and a professor at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Organizational Sciences.
International Project Management Association
A global federation of over 70 national member associations that sets professional standards and certifications for project management practices.
The details
The election consolidates leadership under Obradović, a professor at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Organizational Sciences who previously served as an IPMA Vice President. Alongside new vice presidents Tim Jaques and Giovanni Pisano, the team intends to emphasize corporate project management efficacy. The leadership aims to modernize the federation's visibility and practical application of project management through dedicated focus on digital integration.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Vladimir Obradović was elected President of IPMA World in Zadar, Croatia.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established pattern of professional bodies rotating governance to address emerging operational challenges. The move aligns with ongoing industry efforts to codify best practices in project management similar to existing global benchmarks like the ISO 21502 guidelines.
Business operators should monitor for updated project management certifications that incorporate the new AI and sustainability priorities. Firms that rely on IPMA standards for vendor vetting should evaluate how these future competency requirements will impact project delivery expectations.
The takeaway
The pivot to AI and sustainability signals a shift in how professional project management will be measured in the coming years. Operators should review their current project management training programs to ensure they remain aligned with these evolving international competency standards.
Further reading
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