IAM Elections 2026 - Meet our Candidates!
IAM Board of Management Elections
This year, we have four vacancies for the IAM Board of Management.
Members of the Board of Management:
- Influence the strategic direction of the IAM.
- Collaborate with fellow industry leaders.
- Play a pivotal role in advancing the asset management profession.
- Become legal directors of the Institute.
Board Members have significant responsibilities and spend considerable time on IAM business and meetings. They are also legally accountable as directors of the Institute. For more information, see https://theiam.org/about-us/governance/board/.
Following assessment by the Nominations Committee, and subsequent recommendations to the IAM President and Deputy President, we have six nominations for these vacancies. The nominees are:
- Brian Addison
- Oliver D. Förster
- Bernard Gaudreault
- Shiv Iyer
- Andrew Jinks
- Boudewijn Neijens
Read their candidate statements below.
Name: Brian Addison
Organization: SSEN Transmission
Location: United Kingdom
Candidate Statement:
As a co-opted member of the IAM Board of Management over the last 10 months, I have already had the opportunity to contribute to the Institute’s strategic direction, governance and improvement agenda on behalf of members and chapters.
That experience has strengthened my understanding of the IAM and reinforced my commitment to helping it remain relevant, well-governed and member focused.
With more than 40 years in engineering and asset management, from an electrical apprenticeship starting point, through graduate engineering and into progressively senior leadership roles in asset-owning organisations, I bring a practical, real-world perspective to board discussions.
I understand the challenges members face and the value the IAM can provide through strong leadership, professional standards and an active, engaged community.
I would be proud to continue serving as an elected Board member and to represent IAM members with energy, experience and clear commitment.
Service to the IAM:
- My service to the IAM over recent years has combined governance, technical leadership, thought leadership and member engagement, all focused on strengthening the Institute and delivering value for members.
- Contributed to the IAM’s governance and strategic direction as a co-opted member of the Board of Management and as an IAM Director, since the 2025 AGM
- Led IAM and International input to the GFMAM Landscape review for Section 7 – Value Generation, helping shape thinking on how asset management creates value
- Strengthened key IAM documents and Subject Specific Guidelines through peer review and professional challenge
- Supported recognition of good practice across the profession by judging the IAM Excellence Awards over several years
- Shared practical insight with members through multiple articles in IAM Assets magazine
- Contributed to member learning and professional exchange as a presenter at IAM UK Chapter and global conferences
Name: Oliver D. Förster
Organization: Meliorate GmbH
Location: Germany
Candidate Statement:
My first goal is to enforce the IAM to become a global society of Asset Management experts. Key is to strengthen chapters work – which has been the focus of my recent work as a board member. Key instrument is for me to make all material available in all relevant languages.
Secondly, I want to build a link between technical and business functions. Therefor Asset Risk Management needs to be further developed.
Thirdly my goal is to enforce Asset Management education by rising the visibility of our concepts in the academic world. The idea is to establish Asset Management as a specific profession.
Service to the IAM:
- Founder of the German IAM chapter
- Member of the Board of the German chapter
- Member of the Global Council of the IAM
- Member of the Board of the IAM
- Development of the new IAM structure
- Founder of Meliorate – leading continental Asset Management consulting practice
- Support of new chapters, e. g. Uganda
- Many keynotes and lectures about Asset Management and the IAM in Europe, Africa, the Gulf region and India
Name: Bernard Gaudreault
Organization: Direxyon Technologies
Location: Canada
Candidate Statement:
Asset management has never been more important. Around the world, organizations are facing unprecedented challenges related to aging infrastructure, affordability, resilience, sustainability, and investment prioritization.
Throughout my career, I have worked to help organizations navigate these challenges while advancing the asset management profession. As co-founder of IAM Canada, an IAM Endorsed Trainer and Assessor, and a current member of the IAM Board of Management, I have been privileged to contribute to the growth and influence of our Institute both in Canada and internationally.
My experience spans executive leadership, consulting, training, certification, and strategic transformation across public and private sector organizations. Today, as President of Direxyon Technologies, I continue to focus on improving decision-making and long-term value creation for asset-intensive organizations.
I am seeking re-election to continue representing our members, strengthening the global asset management community, and helping ensure the IAM remains the leading voice and body of knowledge for our profession.
Name: Shiv Iyer
Organization: Black & Veatch
Location: United States of America
Candidate Statement:
I am standing for the IAM Board to deliver tangible impact for our members by strengthening the link between global standards and real-world outcomes.
In my career, I have helped organizations manage billions of dollars in assets through practical application of ISO 55000 principles, while contributing to the development of global standards such as ISO 55013 and serving on the IAM USA Chapter Board. As Co-Chair of the North American IAM Conferences from 2022-24 and regular member of the organizing program committee, I continue to be invested in IAM’s success in North America.
This perspective drives my commitment to ensure IAM’s work translates into measurable value—better decisions, improved performance, and stronger resilience across the asset lifecycle.
If elected, I will focus on expanding access to practical guidance, accelerating capability development, and amplifying the member voice to shape priorities that matter most to practitioners.
I am committed to representing members with independence and purpose, ensuring IAM continues to deliver outcomes that make a real difference to organizations, communities, and the profession.
Service to the IAM:
Contributions to Date:
- Served term as Board of Director for IAM USA Chapter until 2023.
- Participated as a member of the organizing committee, moderator, and speaker at the first North American AM Conference in Chicago, IL in 2019.
- Contributed as a member of the organizing committee, session, and panel moderator for IAM NA Virtual AM Conference in 2021.
- Co-chaired the IAM NA AM Conference in 2022 (Denver), 2023 (Toronto), and 2024 (Denver).
- Moderated a panel on “Data as a Strategic Asset” at the IAM NA AM 2022 conference in Denver, CO.
- Mentored in the Women in Asset Management (WiAM) program since its inception in 2022.
- Delivered training courses as an IAM approved Trainer, preparing consultants and clients for the IAM Certification credential.
- Conducted ISO55001 Certification audits as an IAM approved auditor.
- Published articles in the IAM Assets Magazine.
- Actively contributed to the development of the ISO55000 family of standards as Vice-Chair of the US Mirror Committee to TC-251 and Global Convener of WG9, producing the 55013:2024 standard.
- Member of organizing committee for IAM NA Conferences in 2025 (Montreal) and 2026 (Toronto).
- Judge for Abstract selection and Awards at IAM NA Conferences.
Name: Andrew Jinks
Organization: National Highways
Location: United Kingdom
Candidate Statement:
I have been a board member of the IAM since November 2015 and President since September 2024. I am committed to championing the Asset Management profession and demonstrating the value that it brings to our people, global economies and associated industries. I have worked hard over the last two year as President to further professionalise and raise awareness of the discipline and being personally involved in driving our commitment to members to progress the institutes ambition to obtain Royal Charter. I have also worked closely with Patrons, Council and Chapters to ensure our membership offering remains relevant, our international reach grows and remains strong. Our overall membership, including patron members has grown as well as seeing an increase in our international chapters during my tenure as president.
Our corporate governance, finances, strategies and plans have been strengthened and I feel that whilst acting as a servant to our membership since 2015 I have made numerous contributions to these achievements.
My commitment is to continue to work hard and progress our ambitious strategic plan and to support an even stronger future membership offering.
As a Regional Director for a UK government owned infrastructure client, accountable for operating and managing a complex asset base spanning over 3000 km of some of the busiest parts of the UK’s highway network I know the importance that good asset management has on delivering high levels of customer service.
Name: Boudewijn Neijens
Organization: Independent
Location: Canada
Candidate Statement:
My interest to continue on the board is a logical evolution of my work with the IAM to date. As the Institute expands internationally and faces stiffer “competition” I hope my international perspective, experience and connections can help evolve the IAM in the years to come.
Service to the IAM:
Co-founded the Canada chapter and worked with Central to ensure the chapter was set up in alignment with the principles and processes of the IAM. This gave me a thorough insight into the IAM’s strategy and operations – and also highlighted some of the weaknesses & opportunities of the latter, especially related to expanding the IAM internationally.
Past Chair of the Canada chapter and as such I have been heavily involved in the Chapter Alignment and Transform 22 workgroups.
Contributed to various IAM projects including SSG development, translation of existing documents, co-chairing the North American webinar series for 4years, etc.
Championed the creation of a North American Conference and was instrumental in the success of the inaugural event in 2019. I chaired the speakers/program committee for 3 years and helped pivot to virtual conferences during the pandemic; then get the conference back to “normal” in 2022.
Negotiated the cooperation agreement with CNAM in Canada. This allowed us to refine the cooperation model with like-minded organizations worldwide, and has resulted in the IAM being an active participant in Canada’s MAMP project for municipal asset management.
On the IAM Board since 2021.
IAM Council Elections
We asked for nominations for council representatives in the following regions:
- Germany – 1 position
- Ireland – 1 position
- India – 1 position
- Malaysia – 1 position
- Netherlands – 1 position
- Rest of the World – 1 position
We received nominations from candidates in Germany, Ireland, India, Netherlands, and Rest of the World. As we received only one nomination from each region, no elections for council will be held.
The position in Malaysia will remain vacant as we did not receive any nominations.
You can read the candidate statements below for the elected representatives.
Germany Position
We have received one nomination for this vacancy. Therefore, Fin Jennrich will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2026.
You can read Fin's candidate statement below.
Name: Fin Jennrich
Organization: IFS Deutschland GmbH
Location: Germany
Candidate Statement:
I have been involved with Asset Management since the 2nd year of my professional career. This led to me becoming a full member (MIAM) in 2016. When in 2017 the call came out to find interested people to create a chapter in Germany this felt like the perfect opportunity to drive good Asset Management practices locally. Since that time, I have been an active contributor to the German chapter and the community in Germany. With my application for a second term on the Council I want to make sure that the German community is adequately represented.
Service to the IAM:
- 2016 – Full Member (MIAM)
- 2017/2018 - Member of the founding team of the German IAM chapter
- 2018-today - Various contributing roles in the German IAM chapter (e.g. marketing/communication, internal financial auditor for FY18-21)
- 2020 – First AMP in Germany
- 2022 Translation of Certificate and Diploma question bank into German
- 2023 / 2024 – Question writer for the refresh of the Diploma question bank
- 2025 / 2026 – IAM Council member for Germany
Ireland Position
We have received one nomination for this vacancy. Therefore, Jenni McKeown will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2026.
You can read Jenni's candidate statement below.
Name: Jennifer (Jenni) McKeown
Organization: NIE Networks
Location: Ireland
Candidate Statement:
As an engineer with NIE Networks, I came into Asset Management to focus on a particular asset category – overhead power lines. After 10 years in the department and completing my Diploma with the IAM, I have been able to move into an asset strategy role and am passionate about showing people that asset management is not just a department.
I know how important it is for asset management organisations to engage, share knowledge and work together. As an industry, a country and globally, we can support each other to develop and achieve excellent asset management practices. I would like to contribute to this by representing the members of the IAM on the Council.
Service to the IAM:
I have recently joined the Ireland Chapter committee but have only attended a few meetings and one event to date.
Within my own organisation, I have driven a programme of IAM training across the Asset Management team and the teams we work closely with. I have the buy-in of the leadership and have organised Foundation, Certificate and Diploma courses for the different levels of staff on an ongoing basis.
India Position
We have received one nomination for this vacancy. Therefore, Thiruvenghadam T S will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2026.
You can read Thiruvenghadam's candidate statement below.
Name: Thiruvenghadam T S
Organization: LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED, CONSTRUCTION
Location: India
Candidate Statement:
I am keen to represent IAM Members because I believe the profession is strengthened when members’ voices shape the Institute’s strategy, policies, and future direction. Having led asset-intensive operations in one of India’s largest infrastructure organisations while contributing to research and professional development, I understand the challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners, organisations, and emerging professionals.
If elected, I will actively represent members’ interests by promoting evidence based asset management, encouraging greater knowledge exchange, and supporting practical guidance that delivers value across sectors and regions.
I am committed to fostering a more connected and inclusive IAM community, strengthening professional capability, and helping expand the influence of asset management globally. I will contribute constructively to Council discussions, support long-term strategic decisions, and dedicate my time and experience to advancing the IAM’s mission for the benefit of all members.
Service to the IAM:
I am the Head of Strategic Asset Management at India’s largest infrastructure construction organisation, L&T, and currently serve as Director of the IAM India Chapter. I was awarded the Outstanding Leadership in Asset Management Award by IAM India in 2025.
As a lead, I am spearheading the dedicated Asset Management track at the international conference organised by NICMAR University, scheduled for August 26, with IAM as the knowledge partner. I am also part of the organising committee for the upcoming IAM India Conference, scheduled for October 2026 in Bengaluru, with a focus on knowledge exchange, capability building, and promoting best practices in asset management. These engagements are strengthening connections among practitioners, academics, and the IAM community.
My professional work is closely aligned with IAM principles, particularly in implementing and continuously improving ISO 55001-aligned Asset Management Systems. I have embedded IAM guidance across governance frameworks, lifecycle management practices, and organisational capability development initiatives.
As an active IAM member, I consistently apply IAM frameworks to enhance asset management maturity and to encourage broader professional engagement with IAM resources. I remain committed to supporting the development of the IAM community of practice for construction equipment and other asset-intensive sectors.
Netherlands Position
We have received one nomination for this vacancy. Therefore, Diederik Van Leeuwen will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2026.
You can read Diederik's candidate statement below.
Name: Diederik Van Leeuwen
Organization: IES Asset Management
Location: Netherlands
Candidate Statement:
I am motivated to serve as a representative of the Netherlands on the IAM Council to actively contribute to the advancement of Asset Management globally while strengthening the connection with the Dutch Asset Management community. With over 30 years of international experience in the Asset Management world as a Technical Director, consultant, trainer, and lecturer, I bring both strategic insight and practical expertise across multiple sectors. As a Fellow of the IAM (FIAM) and long-standing member of the IAM, as well as active involvement in IAM Certificate and Diploma training, I am deeply committed to knowledge sharing and professional development. I aim to represent the interests and perspectives of practitioners, promote collaboration between industry and academia, and support the continued evolution and adoption of IAM best practices.
Service to the IAM:
For several years, I was involved in the Training & Personal Development working group for the IAM (corporate). Furthermore, I drafted and assessed both Certificate and Diploma exam questions for the IAM Question Bank on several occasions.
I am the corporate representative for IES at the IAM and, in that capacity, also serve as the point of contact for ETP and EA matters.
At the request of the Dutch Chapter, I was project leader in 2025 for the realization of the Dutch translation of IAM Anatomy v4, and I am currently once again project leader for the realization of the Dutch translation of the IAM SAM tooling (AMA and ISO) and, later this year, of the forthcoming IAM Competence Framework.
In addition, I have been conducting interviews for registered AMP submissions for several years now and, since 2025, have also been a member of the membership committee for FIAM admissions.
Rest of the World Position
We have received one nomination for this vacancy. Therefore, Dr. Mary M. McGeoch will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2026.
You can read Mary's candidate statement below.
Name: Dr. Mary M. McGeoch
Organization: The Asset Plan
Location: Australia
Candidate Statement:
I want to represent IAM Members because asset management is at its strongest when strategy, process and people are aligned. This is the principle at the heart of my leadership. My career spans executive roles across BHP, Rio Tinto, Lendlease and Woolworths Group, underpinned by years of research in the field, and I now lead an asset management consultancy. As an IAM Fellow, ISO 55001 auditor and Engineer Companion (CompIEAust), I understand both the discipline's standards and the realities of applying them under pressure across mining, rail, water, energy, retail and infrastructure. I bring an asset-intensive Asia-Pacific perspective, where many members operate but representation remains thin. I am committed to widening the IAM's global reach, supporting members outside established Chapters, and championing professional development that connects competency frameworks to genuine organisational resilience. I would be honoured to serve as an active, accessible voice for the "Rest of the World" membership.
Service to the IAM:
Roles held: As a relatively new member, I have not yet held formal IAM office. My involvement to date has been as an IAM Fellow (FIAM) and as an active practitioner applying the Institute’s body of knowledge in practice.
IAM projects / activity: I apply and promote IAM principles and the ISO 55000 series directly in my consulting work, embedding the IAM Competency Framework and ISO 55001 in client asset management systems. I have applied to host an IAM webinar, sharing practitioner insight with the wider membership. I hold ISO 55001 auditor certification (WPiAM), through which I assess organisations against the standard the IAM underpins, and I draw on a Ph.D. in engineering and infrastructure asset management to contribute to the discipline’s evidence base.
Wider contribution: Beyond the IAM, I bring transferable governance experience, having served in VP and council roles at the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) and operated at board, chair, executive and senior levels across heavy industry over more than 26 years. I am a corporate member of the Global Mining Guidelines Group, working across its project, mining and technology groups, and I collaborate with Robotics Australia. I am currently completing a company directors course (2026), further strengthening the governance capability I would bring to Council.
My commitments as a Fellow:
- Join / lead a Chapter / Committee of the IAM and contribute significantly.
- Mentor professionals in the field.
If elected to Council, I additionally commit to:
- Be an active, accessible voice for “Rest of the World” members, ensuring those outside established Chapters are heard in Council decisions. Advocate for the Asia-Pacific membership in the IAM’s strategic direction.
- Champion membership growth and Chapter formation in regions where the IAM is currently thinly represented.
- Help connect emerging practice (e.g. robotics, guidelines, decarbonization) into the IAM’s body of knowledge.
Voting is open to all fully paid-up voting members of the IAM until 23:59 BST on Monday 7 September 2026.
NOTE: The IAM Office team will use the information you provide in the e-ballot to check your eligibility to vote. All information provided will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.