The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), the global educational charity serving the colour and textile industries, has appointed textile industry veteran Liz Straughan as its President for the 2026–27 term following the organization’s Annual General Meeting held in Bradford, United Kingdom.
Straughan succeeds outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson and takes on the leadership role at a time when the Society is looking to broaden its influence beyond traditional textile sectors and strengthen engagement with a wider range of colour-using industries.A highly respected figure within the global textile sector, Straughan currently serves as Managing Director of STP Ltd and brings decades of experience spanning textile dyeing, finishing, machinery sales and textile chemicals. Her career has combined technical expertise with commercial leadership across international markets.
Her association with the Society dates back to the early stages of her career at Loughborough Dyeworks, where she participated in SDC Council meetings as a representative of the Midlands Region. Over the years, she expanded her professional experience through international textile machinery sales across Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East before co-founding a UK-based dyestuff and chemical trading company with her late husband, Richard Straughan.Richard Straughan also served as President of the Society between 2013 and 2015, making the Straughans believed to be the only married couple to have both held the prestigious position.Speaking after her appointment, Liz Straughan expressed her enthusiasm for the role and outlined her priorities for the year ahead.
“It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of President of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. During my presidential year, I want to help broaden the Society’s reach beyond textiles and strengthen engagement with other colour-using industries, while also supporting the exciting future development of both the Society and SDC Enterprises,” she said.She also highlighted the personal significance of her appointment, noting her husband’s contribution to the Society and describing the opportunity to follow in his footsteps as both a privilege and a proud moment.
Straughan has a long history of service within the organization. She currently chairs the Board of SDC Enterprises Group Ltd and has previously served as both a Trustee and Trustee-Director of SDC Enterprises. In recognition of her contributions to the industry and the Society, she was awarded the Fellowship of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (FSDC CCol) in 2009 and received the Society’s Silver Medal in 2016.The Annual General Meeting also saw the appointment of three new trustees, further strengthening the Society’s governance as it continues to support education, professional development and industry collaboration across the colour sector.
Outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson completed his term after focusing on promoting the Society’s rich historical resources and encouraging younger generations to pursue careers within the textile industry. A member of the Society for more than three decades, Wilkinson has played a significant role in supporting various initiatives and regional activities throughout his 36-year association with the organization.His contributions have been recognized through multiple honours, including the Society’s Bronze Medal in 2003 for his work with the Huddersfield Region and the Silver Medal in 2009 for dedicated service to the Colour Index™ and the North of England Region.
Commenting on the leadership transition, SDC Chief Executive Graham Clayton praised Straughan’s extensive experience and longstanding commitment to the Society.“Liz brings with her an exceptional breadth of international industry experience and a longstanding commitment to the Society through both governance and leadership roles. Her passion for strengthening collaboration across the industry, broadening engagement beyond textiles, and creating further opportunities for education and industry partnership aligns strongly with the Society’s future ambitions,” Clayton said.
He also extended his appreciation to Stuart Wilkinson for his dedication and years of service to both the Society and the wider colour community.The appointment marks a new chapter for the Society of Dyers and Colourists as it continues to evolve alongside the changing needs of the global textile and colour industries while maintaining its commitment to education, professional excellence and industry innovation.
