LEIA has announced three new appointments to its management board: Karis Walker, Head of Commercial at TK Elevator, Andrew Renwick, MD at Caltech Lifts, and David Martin, MD at DeSeM Lifts.  LEIA member companies are represented on the LEIA Council, which appoints a Management Board annually. The Management Board is authorised to act on LEIA’s behalf to deal with matters in the interests of the Association’s affairs. It provides strategic insight and guidance on LEIA’s work for the year ahead.

Speaking about the latest appointments, Nick Mellor, LEIA MD, said, “We are delighted to welcome Karis, Andrew and David to the board as we anticipate the challenges of 2024, particularly the Buildings Safety Act and its implications for our members and the wider industry. We welcome input from their unique perspectives, from small independents to global corporations. All will have a valuable impact on LEIA’s work.”

Karis Walker, Head of Commercial at TK Elevator, commented, “I really hope to broaden the understanding and perception of the value that LEIA brings to the industry.  The committees do some fantastic work, and it would be great to increase the diversity and bring more variety of experience to them.  I believe that would, in turn, broaden the output even further.  I would also love to work with LEIA to promote the industry itself, develop interest, bring in new colleagues and support with futureproofing and ongoing development of the sector.”

Offering a small business perspective, Andrew Renwick, MD at Caltech Lifts, added, “As a director of a smaller lift company, I’m eager to provide that vital perspective at the Board level. The lift and escalator industry faces a multitude of challenges and I believe my 16 years of experience in this field, which includes substantial growth within our family business, has equipped me well to tackle both specific industry challenges and broader business issues.”

Dave Martin, MD at DeSeM Lifts agreed, “I’m pleased to join the board to represent SMEs and offer the perspective of a small independent UK manufacturer and installer of medium and large capacity robust kit and structures, with more than 30 years’ experience. I really look forward to working with Nick and the team.”

About LEIA

LEIA is the trade association and advisory body for the lift and escalator industry in UK, formed in 1997 by the merging of two long standing associations with a history dating back to 1932.  With a membership covering some 85% of the lift and escalator industry, LEIA represents a single voice for the sector. LEIA members supply passenger and goods/service lifts, stair lifts, home lifts, lifting platforms, escalators, passenger conveyors and a range of component parts and services for such products.  LEIA members also undertake the maintenance of over 300,000 products falling within the scope of the Association.