PMI Celebrates 50 Rising Leaders Shaping A Better Future

Project Management Institute (PMI) celebrates 50 exceptional rising leaders who are transforming the world by leveraging their project management skills to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.  As shown on the 2024 Future 50 list, these young leaders all 35 and under – represent a diverse cohort of project professionals, including s from South Asia, who are reshaping the future across industries like healthcare, environmental science, technology and social justice. 

These standout professionals are building, creating, and leading transformative projects that not only solve complex problems, but also help pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future. As they demonstrate, effective project management and project professionals have the power to create meaningful change.  

The recognition of these 50 leaders comes at a time when project management is more vital than ever. The world needs 2.5 million new project professionals each year by 2030 to fill the talent gap.  As AI, climate change and other macrotrends transform industries and create new opportunities for innovation, the demand for skilled project managers capable of driving this transformation has never been higher. Project management is ranked one of the top ten in-demand skills for 2024, according to a LinkedIn report. 

Among the Future 50 honorees from India are Ananta Gopal Metange, spearheading a groundbreaking $10 million project for Collins Aerospace to localise Airbus Nacelle Cowl hardware. Ankita Bhatia, a senior programme manager at Adobe, demonstrates exceptional business acumen. Kaushik Chandra L, recognised as a top performer, oversaw the complex execution of a rural drinking water project impacting over 200 villages in Karnataka. Swati Pundir, a trailblazer in AI, led a generative AI pilot project and Yazhinidevi  Devarajan, founder of the award-winning Betawinds, empowers youth through soft skills training.

The 2024 Future 50 List celebrates a diverse and accomplished group of professionals; including project management experts; industry leaders; and innovators from around the globe. Honorees such as Abdulrahman Ahli; Abdulla Al Haidan; Alejandra Muralles; and Ananta Gopal Metange represent excellence in fields ranging from education and technology to healthcare and finance. Notable names like Ankita Bhatia; Awa Bousso Dramé; Juliano Denicol; and María Gabriela Urdaneta Ocando are recognized alongside rising stars such as Lauren Szymura; Rahim Thompson; and Yazhinidevi Devarajan. These individuals holding distinguished certifications like PMP; CAPM; and PMI-ACP; embody the forward-thinking leadership and expertise that define the future of their industries.