LEEA Elects New Chair and President

Phil White, joint managing director of Servtech, has been elected chair of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). He replaces Chris Towne, who has completed his two year tenure in the post.

“I am extremely keen that the LEEA becomes a truly global entity and continues to develop and extend its portfolio of practical training courses,” said White. “With Geoff Holden as chief executive we have already made good progress towards these objectives and it is important that the board continues to support him.

“We also need to do more to educate end users about the importance of using genuinely competent staff for the test, examination and maintenance of lifting equipment, and promote the fact that LEEA membership and qualifications are the best possible evidence of the necessary standards of expertise and professionalism.”

White was a co-founder of Servtech in the mid-1980s. Initially focused on non destructive testing, the company now provides clients in the oil and gas industries with a wide range of inspection and safety services. White has already served on the LEEA’s technical committee and board, and was vice-chair to Chris Towne.

In addition to a new chair, the LEEA has also chosen a new president. Jim Coupe takes the honorary position, replacing John Kilby, who has stood down after fulfilling the role with distinction for many years.

Recently retired, Coupe spent several decades working in the lifting industry. His career encompassed a number of senior management and director-level positions, covering sales and marketing, product management and general commercial and technical roles, for companies such as Crosby Europe, Arbil, Felco and Parsons Chain. He has been actively involved in the LEEA since the 1970s and served as its chair from 1999 to 2001. Coupe was also chair of three international standards committees for chain and chain components.

Established in 1944, the LEEA has over 520 member companies worldwide and campaigns for higher standards of safety within the lifting industry.