David Cormack is the new Chair of the LEEA Board

David Cormack is the new Chair of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Board. Having commenced his two-year tenure in the role on 1 January 2026, Cormack served as Vice Chair for the last two years and has also been a member of LEEA’s Technical Committee. He takes over the role of Chair from Oliver Auston.

“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,” Cormack said.

“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,” Cormack added.

“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.”

Having spent his entire career in the lifting industry, Cormack started as an apprentice with Coubro & Scrutton — a founder member and keen supporter of the Chain Testers Association, which evolved into LEEA. Cormack rose to become Marine Sales Manager, having gained a broad range of engineering skills, from machining and welding to design work. “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,” Cormack said.

Cormack’s company is Delphini, which he founded in 2001. Delphini was founded to manufacture lifting, securing and access products primarily for the marine sector, as well as producing specialist structural steelwork, and exports to ship owners, agents and port operators worldwide.

“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,” Cormack concluded.

Image: Supplied