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Craig Kilford
Activating Awesomeness for People & Companies | MoP Author
Professional Background
Craig Kilford is an accomplished consultant and thought leader specializing in change management and project portfolio management. He has made significant contributions to various sectors, helping businesses and organizations achieve transformational change that positively impacts people and culture. With a strong focus on purpose-driven solutions, Craig has built and led a team of dedicated consultants who provide transformative value to some of the world’s leading purpose-focused companies.
Craig's expertise has been recognized and sought after, leading him to be commissioned by the UK Government to design and write the world's most widely adopted project portfolio management standard. This influential framework, known as MoP (Management of Portfolios), has substantially guided investment decisions in projects worth an estimated $1 trillion. This landmark standard has set the stage for better project prioritization and management not only in the UK but globally.
In his illustrious career, Craig has also developed a reputation for his pioneering work in the field of project management. His consultancy portfolio management practices were featured as the first official case study of successful enterprise portfolio management implementation, published by AXELOS in partnership with the British Government. His thought leadership extends to publishing, where he authored the book "Think P3O." In this insightful resource, Craig unravels the intricacies of portfolio and project management offices, aiding organizations in making informed investments and delivering successful projects.
In addition to his work in project management, Craig is deeply engaged in the arts and community well-being. He founded the innovative concept of Happy Street Signs, a social practice art initiative aimed at enhancing feelings of well-being within urban environments. This initiative demonstrates Craig's commitment to social good as he collaborated with civic leaders and communities to introduce positive messaging in public spaces, making Newark, New Jersey, the first city globally to officially install such signs.
Beyond consultancy and urban activism, Craig is also an artist whose talent is intertwined with his unique perspective. As someone with chromesthesia, a condition where sounds involuntarily evoke visual experiences, he has utilized this gift to create large abstract paintings live during performances of notable musicians such as Iggy Pop, Paul Weller, and The Black Eyed Peas. His artworks encapsulate a vivid interplay of color and sound, showcasing his creative prowess and contributing to the dialogue between music and visual arts.
With over 100 workshops delivered worldwide, Craig is a passionate facilitator. His workshops focus on empowering individuals and organizations through themes of creativity, project portfolio management, equality, and authentic storytelling. His enthusiasm and innovative approaches have made a marked impact across Europe, Canada, the USA, and Australia, energizing participants and promoting positive transformational change.
Education and Achievements
Craig Kilford is an alumnus of De Montfort University, where he honed his skills and knowledge in project management and consultancy. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career characterized by impactful initiatives and projects.
Some notable achievements alongside his vital contribution to project management standards include:
- Creation of MoP: Designing and writing the world’s most widely adopted project portfolio management standard, utilized for investment decisions on over $1 Trillion in projects.
- Published Author: Authoring "Think P3O," which assists organizations in making the right investment decisions regarding projects.
- Happy Street Signs: Initiating a social practice art project with the official installation of Happy Street Signs in Newark, NJ, promoting well-being through positive messaging in urban areas.
- Live Abstract Artist: Showcasing his chromesthesia through live painting sessions at concerts, collaborating with globally renowned artists.
- Workshops and Training: Conducting over 100 energizing workshops centered around project management, creativity, and authentic storytelling, impacting professionals and organizations across various continents.
Employment History
Craig's extensive career has seen him hold several high-level positions that emphasize his leadership and consultancy capabilities:
- CEO at Course Conductor: Provided innovative solutions and guidance for educational programs and projects.
- Head of PMO (Interim) at Fortuna Group: Oversaw the project management office, ensuring successful project execution and alignment with business goals.
- Executive Portfolio Management Consultant at APMG-International: Offered strategic advice and expertise in managing portfolio-based projects.
- Deputy Director (Interim) at the Office for National Statistics: Led enterprise portfolio management, driving performance and accountability in statistical projects.
- Head of Finance Transformation Portfolio Management (Interim) at Friends Life: Managed transformational initiatives within finance to optimize project management practices.
- Finance Transformation Portfolio Management Consultant at The Co-operative Banking Group: Implemented strategic changes in financial project management.
- Executive Consultant at Cansoti: Provided expert consultancy in transformation portfolio management, leveraging his wealth of experience and knowledge.
Through his varied experiences, Craig Kilford continues to be a pioneering force in the transformation and project management landscape, inspiring others to embrace change and deliver value effectively.
