PHILADELPHIA, PA — Project Management Institute named Chief Growth Officer Johannes Heinlein interim president and chief executive officer Wednesday after Pierre Le Manh stepped down from the top job, triggering a search for a permanent leader as the organization navigates changes in the profession driven by artificial intelligence.
Le Manh departed Sept. 30 after four years as president and CEO. He joined PMI in September 2022 and oversaw its current strategy, acquisitions and partnerships while expanding the organization’s capabilities.
PMI’s board will conduct a search for a permanent president and CEO and expects to provide additional details in the coming months.
Heinlein will lead the organization during the search while continuing its existing strategic priorities.
“We are fortunate to have a leader of Johannes’s experience and institutional knowledge ready to step in,” PMI Board Chair Ike Nwankwo said. “The Board has confidence in his ability to guide PMI and maintain our strong momentum as we conduct our search for a permanent CEO.”
As chief growth officer, Heinlein has been responsible for PMI’s advocacy, community, research, education and business growth globally.
His previous roles span Europe, Asia Pacific and North America, including positions at Harvard University, MIT and Deloitte. At Harvard, he directed university-wide change initiatives in the president’s office before becoming chief commercial officer and senior vice president of strategic partnerships at edX, the online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT.
Le Manh said PMI had grown across every region so far this year and described the leadership transition as the appropriate point for his departure.
“This feels like the right moment to step down and for me to take on another substantial challenge that gives me renewed energy and where I can make the greatest contribution in the future,” Le Manh said.
During Le Manh’s tenure, PMI strengthened its leadership team and expanded through acquisitions and partnerships while positioning its strategy around artificial intelligence and a greater emphasis on project outcomes.
Heinlein said his immediate focus would be maintaining PMI’s momentum while the board completes its search for a permanent chief executive.
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