19 January 2026: The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) has appointed Laura Webb as its new Managing Director, marking an important new chapter for the association.
Laura has a strong track record in delivering strategic growth and enhancing member engagement within professional institutions and trade bodies. Her recent roles include Executive Director – Membership Experience at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Director of Membership at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
She succeeds Nick Mellor, who steps back as LEIA’s Managing Director after almost nine years in the position, and 14 years with the association overall. During his tenure, Nick has played a central role in strengthening LEIA’s influence and reinforcing its position as a leading voice for the lift and escalator industry. Laura will continue to develop the association working alongside the LEIA board, spearheaded by LEIA President, Karis Walker, and Vice-President Andrew Renwick.
Karis Walker, LEIA President commented: “On behalf of the LEIA Board, I would like to extend our genuine appreciation to Nick Mellor for the significant impact he has made during his many years with the association. Nick has been instrumental in guiding LEIA through periods of growth, change, and challenge, always bringing clarity, technical insight, and a strong commitment to the industry. His leadership has helped shape the association’s direction, strengthen relationships across the sector, and ensure LEIA continues to champion the interests of its members with authority and credibility. We are grateful for the dedication and professionalism Nick has consistently shown throughout his time with LEIA, and we thank him for the steady hand he has provided to the organisation. As he steps back from the role of Managing Director, we wish him every success in the future and look forward to continuing to work with him as he supports LEIA in the years to come.”
Commenting on the appointment, Nick Mellor said: “I am incredibly proud of what the association has achieved on behalf of its members and the wider industry and would like to thank the LEIA Board and members for their support. Laura brings a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of membership organisations. I am confident she will build on LEIA’s solid foundations and continue to drive the association forward at an important time for our sector.”
Laura Webb added: “I am delighted to be joining LEIA and to work with its members, partners and team. LEIA plays a vital role in supporting professionalism, safety and skills across the lift and escalator industry, and I look forward to building on its strong reputation while helping it respond to the evolving needs of the built environment.”
Laura’s appointment comes at a time of continued focus on skills, education, safety and industry collaboration, with LEIA well-positioned to support its members through regulatory change and workforce development across the sector.
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For more information, please contact Emma Mackley emma.mackley@leia.co.uk or Tel: 07796 694735.
About LEIA
LEIA is the trade association and advisory body for the UK lift and escalator industry, formed in 1997 by the merging of two longstanding associations with a history dating back to 1932. With a membership covering some 85% of the lift and escalator industry, LEIA represents a single voice for the sector.
LEIA members supply passenger and goods/service lifts, stairlifts, home lifts, lifting platforms, escalators, passenger conveyors and a range of component parts and services for such products. LEIA members also undertake the maintenance of 300,000 products falling within the scope of the association.
LEIA objectives include:
• Provision of advice on health, safety and standards matters.
• Determination of skills requirements and the promotion of education and training.
• Co-operation within the sector and between the sector and its customers and suppliers.
• Development of the commercial environment.
• Maintaining the best standards of quality and workmanship.