News

Corporate Update

Society Of Dyers And Colourists Appoints Liz Straughan As President For 2026–27

• By  Textile Excellence
• June 18, 2026

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), one of the textile industry's most respected professional and educational bodies, has elected Liz Straughan as President for the 2026–27 term following its Annual General Meeting in Bradford, United Kingdom. She succeeds Stuart Wilkinson and takes charge at a time when the global textile sector is accelerating efforts in sustainability, innovation and skills development.

Straughan brings decades of experience spanning textile dyeing, finishing, textile machinery, specialty chemicals and international trade. Her career has covered key textile markets across Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She currently serves as Chair of SDC Enterprises Group Ltd and has remained closely associated with the Society since the early stages of her professional journey.

The appointment highlights the growing importance of technical expertise in shaping the future of textile coloration and processing. Global textile chemical demand is projected to exceed US$ 36 billion by 2030, driven by sustainable dyeing technologies, resource efficiency and advanced performance textiles. Industry stakeholders expect Straughan’s leadership to further strengthen knowledge sharing, professional development and innovation across the textile value chain.

Straughan brings decades of experience spanning textile dyeing, finishing, textile machinery, specialty chemicals and international trade. Her career has covered key textile markets across Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She currently serves as Chair of SDC Enterprises Group Ltd and has remained closely associated with the Society since the early stages of her professional journey.