Caltech Lifts Managing Director Andrew Renwick has been elected Vice-President of the UK lift industry professional body the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA).
Andrew will serve alongside Karis Walker, Head of Commercial at TK Elevator, who has been appointed President for 2025.
She succeeds Paul Turner, Technical Director at Schindler, who has held the role since 2023. He will continue to work closely with LEIA to develop its strategy as ex-President and ex-officio member.
Walker has been at TK Elevator for the past 11 years, during which time she has been a member, currently Chairwoman, of the LEIA Contracts and Legal Committee and joined the LEIA board in 2023.
Focus
Speaking on her appointment, she said: “It is with great enthusiasm that I step into the role of President. As I take on this next step in my journey with LEIA, my primary focus will be to continue the positive work of Paul Turner in bringing an innovative approach to LEIA’s operations.
“By defining clear and transparent strategies and embracing new ideas and ways of working, we aim to continue growth in LEIA’s productivity and deliver best-in-class guidance and support services to our members.
“I am especially excited to engage both with LIFTEX and the positive work LEIA is doing with the Building Safety Act – supporting our members in understanding the implications of this legislation and the essential steps needed to meet their obligations.”
Board member since 2023
Andrew Renwick joined his family business, Caltech Lifts, in 2007, taking over as MD in 2013. He also joined the LEIA board in 2023 and has been a member of LEIA since 2011.
He commented, “I’m honoured to take on the role of Vice-President of LEIA. One of the aspects I’m most looking forward to is continuing our work on shaping a strategy that focuses its ambitions over the next 12 months, as well as defining the association’s longer-term goals for the next three to five years.
“This important work was initiated last year by our outgoing President, Paul Turner, and will now be championed by our incoming President, Karis, who I will support in every way possible.
‘Remarkable milestones’
“LEIA has achieved remarkable milestones over the years and, for an organisation of our size, it truly punches above its weight compared to other industry bodies. By collaborating with our members to drive innovation, enhance safety standards and promote sustainability, I’m confident our association will continue to grow and thrive.”
LEIA Managing Director Nick Mellor paid tribute to the work of Paul Turner over the past two years: “We’d like to thank Paul for all he’s done in his role as President in a very challenging time for the industry. He’s provided excellent guidance and strategic input throughout. We look forward to continuing our work with him and benefitting from the insights both Karis and Andrew will bring.”
‘Honour’
Outgoing President Paul Turner concluded: “It has been an honour to serve as President of LEIA for the past two years, and beforehand as Vice-President and Board member since 2019. During the past years, much has been achieved by the association and as I move into an Ex-Officio role with the Board, there is, of course, still much to focus on.
“As ex-officio board member, I will chair ongoing strategy discussions which will include a clear direction for the association and its members, with a proactive sustainability commitment to our industry.
“We are delighted to hand over the presidency to Karis, who is equally committed to developing inclusive strategies within the industry. I am looking forward to continuing to support the Board and the entire LEIA team and its members for many years to come as a remaining board member.”
For more information about LEIA, visit: www.leia.co.uk