Ian Cooke

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association - United Kingdom

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has appointed Ian Cooke as director of academy. 

In his new role, Cooke will be responsible for overseeing LEEA training, including the foundation and diploma courses, the licensed training scheme (LTS) and the accredited training scheme (ATS).

The LEEA says Cooke’s appointment is one of several key new senior manager roles playing a strategic part in developing the Association.

The new executive management team will be working closely with chief executive Ross Moloney, who says: “(Cooke) brings a wealth of experience to the academy, which is a vital part of the association and plays a crucial contribution to ensuring the lifting industry’s sustainability.”  

A Business Management graduate, Cooke commenced his career at a college lecturing to business management and running adult education in the community. He then joined NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupation Safety and Health) as business development executive for UK and Ireland. 

The role evolved from customer support to becoming an auditor, going on to be an essential part of establishing the body’s audit protocol.

Cooke was then sought out to head up health, safety and sustainability at the manufacturers’ organisation EEF, now Make UK, working with some of the world’s biggest companies in delivering consultancy and training.

After five years Cooke returned to NEBOSH as head of corporate and consumer.

Combining his experience of commercial and regulated training, consultancy and corporates, he developed new exam board services aimed at raising competency and a safer workplace.

“There is a clear industry challenge surrounding the skills shortage,” Cooke says. 

“However, this presents an opportunity to promote our industry as a great occupation, creating courses that learners will want to take to boost their career. 

“Employers will look for LEEA qualifications when recruiting, so giving learners a qualification with value will help them to gain employment. Showing success stories demonstrating this will encourage younger generations into training and the industry.”

Anthony Nash

Clark Material Handling - United States

Clark Material Handling has promoted Anthony Nash to vice president of Manufacturing, one of two new VP roles. 

In his new role, Nash will be responsible for the quality, production, purchasing, operations planning, facilities and safety areas of the business. 

With 30 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, Nash brings a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement and operations. 

He will continue to drive SIOP (sales, inventory and operations planning) as well as collaborating with international factories.  

Dan Kaiser

Clark Material Handling - United States

In the second senior appointment announced by Clark Material Handling, industry veteran Dan Kaiser has been promoted to vice president of finance. 

Kaiser, who has 24 years of experience, will lead all of the accounting and finance functions for Clark North America, and in his new capacity will also oversee the internal information technology team. He will also continue to provide financial governance and strategy to the company. 

Clark Material Handling says the promotion of Nash and Kaiser will allow the company to leverage their combined talents and skills to pursue its vision for the benefit of its dealers and customers.