David Cormack has commenced a two-year term as Chair of the Board of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).
He succeeds Oliver Auston, following a two-year period serving as Vice Chair, and has also contributed to the association through membership of LEEA's Technical Committee.
The appointment provides continuity at board level as LEEA continues to develop its global membership base and evolve its assessment and governance frameworks, with a sustained focus on maintaining standards across the lifting industry.
Commenting on his appointment, Cormack said: "I would like to thank Oliver Auston for his tremendous work in the role of Chair of the Board. During this time, LEEA has made great strides forward in supporting its members and raising standards in the Lifting Industry. I look forward to helping LEEA continue this progress as we embark on the next exciting stage of our development, with more members around the world joining our gold standard and a new member assessment geared to ensuring excellence is maintained."
He also highlighted the strategic importance of recent developments within the association, noting: "A particularly important step in this next phase is the introduction of LEEA's new end-user grade of membership. By directly engaging organisations that own, procure and operate lifting equipment, LEEA is strengthening its ability to influence safety and best practice at every point in the lifting lifecycle. This evolution reflects the realities of a modern, global industry and ensures that those with ultimate responsibility for lifting operations are aligned with the same high standards, guidance and education that underpin our existing membership. It is a significant development for the industry and a critical enabler of LEEA's vision to raise standards worldwide through education, influence and leadership."
By directly engaging organisations that own, procure and operate lifting equipment, LEEA is strengthening its ability to influence safety and best practice at every point in the lifting lifecycle.
Cormack has spent his entire career in the lifting industry, having started as an apprentice with Coubro & Scrutton - a founder member and keen supporter of the Chain Testers Association, which later evolved into LEEA. He developed a broad range of engineering skills spanning machining, welding and design, before progressing into a senior commercial role as Marine Sales Manager. Reflecting on this period, he said: "LEEA was always held in great respect at Coubro & Scrutton and when I started my own company I regarded it as important that we become a LEEA member."
That company is Delphini, founded by Cormack in 2001 to manufacture lifting, securing and access products primarily for the marine sector, alongside specialist structural steelwork. The business exports to ship owners, agents and port operators worldwide.
Looking ahead, Cormack commented: "It is important that LEEA keeps pace with a changing world, while continuing to raise standards and encourage safe practice. I will be working closely with the Board and the LEEA leadership team to ensure we maintain support for our members, champion the global Lifting Industry and continue our evolution and growth."
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