LEEA is grateful to our judging panel for providing their voluntary services to the 2025 Awards.
Our judging panel will assess each of the nominations received based on the criteria for each of the awards. Judges will not be able to vote in any category where their company has submitted entries for that award. Judging will be overseen and verified by LEEA.
Bunzl Safety - Technical Services and Support Manager
Andy has been a dedicated professional in the Lifting and Rigging Industry since 1987, bringing nearly four decades of experience in both Technical and Sales roles . Andy has built a reputation for deep industry knowledge, hands on expertise and a strong commitment to promoting a culture of safety. Andy is a vocal advocate for raising awareness around best practice and compliance within the Lifting and Rigging sector. His work is driven by the belief that education and proactive safety measure are essential to protecting lives and ensuring the long term success of the industry.
Kito Crosby - Product Specialist & Trainer
With extensive industry expertise and a proven commitment to excellence, I bring both technical knowledge and fair, balanced judgment to the LEEA Awards 2025 panel.
My experience spans over 30 years in this industry, where I have consistently championed safety, innovation, and best practice.
I value objective assessment, celebrating achievements that push our industry forward while upholding the highest professional standards.
As a judge, I aim to recognise outstanding contributions, inspire continuous improvement, and ensure the awards reflect true merit.
My passion for advancing our sector drives me to honour those who set benchmarks for others to follow.
MGF - Director
Chris Whitworth is a Director at MGF, a UK market leader in temporary works solutions, committed to becoming the leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist engineered solutions to the construction industry. MGF?s divisions span excavation support, structural support solutions, lifting and safety equipment, and bespoke manufacturing. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer service, Chris plays a key role in driving MGF?s strategic growth and engineering excellence across its nationwide depot network. His leadership has been instrumental in the development and expansion of MGF?s lifting division and the Lifting by Design (LBD) function, helping to shape specialist lifting solutions that meet evolving industry needs.
ITI (UK) - Business Intelligence Analyst
Christina Lanham is a seasoned professional and military veteran with nearly 15 years of experience in the lifting and hoisting industry. Skilled in identifying and addressing training needs, she helps companies empower their workforces with the skills necessary to complete complex projects safely and efficiently. Christina is also a committed member of the LEEA Learning & Development Committee and has served as a LEEA Awards judge for several years.
Delphini - Managing Director
I have worked in the lifting industry for 35yrs, having started as an apprentice at Coubro & Scrutton, a founder member of LEEA when I was 16yrs old. My training included all aspects of engineering, from manufacturing to design. I passed my first LEEA exam in the early 90's.
I founded Delphini in 2001 and have a 14,000ft structural steel manufacturing factory in Tilbury, UK. Specialising in heavy engineering and the Port and Marine sectors I have a broad knowledge of all aspects of the lifting industry.
I am a member of the LEEA Technical Committee and also Deputy Chair of the association.
Franklin Offshore - General Manager
David Glennie is a seasoned industry professional with extensive experience in the onshore/ offshore and marine operations.
As a senior leader at Franklin Offshore, he has played a key role in driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality lifting and rigging solutions globally to customers.
With a career spanning around 50 years, David is recognised for his sense humour, technical expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to safety and innovation in the offshore energy sector.
Delmark - Managing Director
Derek is passionate about improving the quality of lifting knowledge within the lift industry, and assisting lift companies to meet their legal duties and reduce the number of incidents in the industry. He is also LEEA's Technical Committee Chair.
Siemens Gamesa - Technical Lead
Dominic is Technical Lead and part of the global lifting team at Siemens Gamesa.
Rigging Services - Technical Manager
Sunbelt Rentals - Director - Lifting
I have 30+ years experience in the lifting industry, operating in hire, sales & compliance. I work nationally across all markets and sectors. Since joining Sunbelt Rentals in 2021, as Director of Lifting, I have assisted the business in growing the lifting division year-on-year. We have secured UKAS accreditation ISO IEC 17020 in 2023 and embedded the highest industry standards into daily operations with continuous focus on training and development for our future lifting engineers.
I thoroughly enjoy successfully providing bespoke/innovative lifting solutions and products for clients and working with the extensive supply chain we have in this industry. I am also fortunate enough to class a lot of these as friends.
IMES International Ltd - Director, Engineering and Inspection
18 years as a lifting industry professional, Glenn?s experience spans inspection, NDT, maintenance, and engineering consultancy for all mechanical handling equipment.
As the Director of Engineering and Inspection, Glenn currently leads the Defence division of IMES International Ltd, a company with a 50-year heritage in the industry and now part of the THREE60 Energy Group. Glenn is responsible for leading IMES' Worldwide Defence Business and leading the Engineering Consultancy Department of IMES.
As the Runner Up for the Industry Leader Award 2023 LEEA and his seat on LEEA?s Learning and Development Committee, Glenn is a full supporter of the association.
Aluminium Bahrain - Inspector of Lifting Equipment
Hery Purwoko is an inspector and trainer with over 29 years of experience in industrial equipment inspection and maintenance, including lifting equipment, boilers, and pressure vessels. He currently serves at Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), where he develops and delivers training modules, conducts statutory inspections, and leads safety initiatives. Hery holds a Master?s degree in Information Technology and is a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. He is a member of LEEA and has extensive expertise in CMMS systems, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, and safety compliance. His contributions have significantly improved operational safety and inspection efficiency at ALBA.
Sunbelt Rentals - Senior Operations Manager for Sunbelt Rentals Lifting BU
I lead operations with a focus on efficiency, teamwork, and practical problem-solving. I work closely with Gary Joyice to keep things running smoothly and support continuous improvement across the business. I'm passionate about helping teams succeed, streamlining processes, and making sure our goals align with the bigger picture. I believe in clear communication, collaboration, and keeping things people-focused.
FAHSS (formerly TUV NORD Middle East) - Lifting Surveyor and Deputy Technical Manager
John Thomas Philip is an ADNOC-approved Lifting Surveyor and Deputy Technical Manager with FAHSS (formerly known as TUV NORD Middle East) in UAE operations. With over 15 years of experience, he is well known in the UAE inspection industry for his expertise in lifting inspections, technical management, and compliance with international safety standards. Previously, he served as Technical Manager at Aries Group of Companies, where he developed strong inspection systems and led technical teams. Recognised for his integrity, leadership, and client-focused approach, John continues to shape safety and quality benchmarks in the lifting sector, making him a trusted industry voice.
Catena Inspection & Engineering Services Ltd - IMS Manager
Kat is IMS Manager at Catena Inspection & Engineering Services Ltd. She has previously held the role of LEEA Chair, and is currently a Technical Committee Member and Board Member.
Cookes (Bekaert NZ) - Technical Manager ? Testing Services
I have over 11 years of experience in the lifting industry, beginning my career as a mobile service technician performing inspections and repairs. I later transitioned into sales as an account manager before moving into my current role as Technical Manager ? Testing Services at Cookes New Zealand, a position I have held for nearly four years.
I am passionate about improving team knowledge, leading by example, and helping clients solve problems through practical solutions and expert guidance, all with the goal of creating a safer industry. Recently, I was honoured to be accepted onto the LEEA Regional Council for the Australasia region.
Lifting Gear UK - Operations Director
Martin is Operations Director at Lifting Gear Uk and had 26 years of experience in various operational and customer-facing roles.
Standard Arabia Inspection Co. - General Manager
Mohammed is a recognized expert in the lifting inspection industry and safety. He holds a Master's degree in Engineering and international certifications in inspection, lifting operations, and quality management. With over a decade of experience, Mohammed has focused on raising industry standards through safety, compliance, and workforce development. His leadership has positioned Standard Arabia as a trusted partner to major clients, holding more than 14 master agreement contracts and delivering reliable inspection and training services across Saudi Arabia with a strong reputation for quality and on-time performance.
Sahm Splice - Former Chair of LEEA
Richard Money is a former chair of LEEA and long standing board member. He is passionate about improving standards and the professional profile of the lifting industry worldwide. Richard was the founding director of Sahm-Splice UK and worked in the mechanical splicing sector in many countries for 25 years. He is a Master Mariner, with a broad experience of general cargo, offshore, sub sea engineering and Marine surveying. He retired in 2022 to play more golf.
YOKE - Consultant - EMEA
Employed as a Consultant for YOKE Ind Corp, I am fortunate to be engaged in the lifting industry for the majority of my career, working with global manufacturers in various sales, training and general management positions. The majority of that time encompassed leading and being part of a results driven sales team, involving travel within the EMEAI regions and being involved in the supply of lifting products and training to globally recognised construction projects. Being part of the LEEA Technical Committee ensures I stay up to date with current legislation as well as being a member of British Standards MHE/01 committee.
Columbus McKinnon Corporation Limited - Manager, Marketing and Business Development
Rob Wood is a customer-focused Sales & Marketing leader with over 25 years of experience in the lifting and material handling industry. As Manager of Marketing and Business Development at Columbus McKinnon Corporation Ltd. UK, he coordinates regional marketing across MEA, UK, and India, manages UK key accounts, and oversees Camlok export partner relationships. Rob works closely with the EMEA central marketing team to align initiatives and strengthen customer engagement. Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to service excellence, Rob is passionate about making CMCO easy to do business with through responsive support, clear communication, and trusted partnerships.
Speedy Hire - Quality, Environment and Technical Compliance Director
Samantha Westran is a seasoned leader in quality assurance, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance, currently serving as the Quality, Environment and Technical Compliance Director at Speedy Hire. With a strategic focus on driving operational excellence and compliance, Sam oversees the development and implementation of robust compliance frameworks that align with both corporate goals and evolving industry standards.
Sam plays a pivotal role in shaping organisational policies that ensure safety, environmental responsibility, and technical integrity. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a culture of accountability across all levels of the business.
