New leadership announced alongside three new trustees following the Society’s annual general meeting in Bradford, UK.
The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has appointed Liz Straughan, Managing Director of STP Ltd, as its President for 2026–27 following the organisation’s recent annual general meeting in Bradford. The educational charity also announced the appointment of three new trustees.
Liz Straughan succeeds outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson, bringing decades of experience across textile dyeing, finishing, textile machinery sales and textile chemicals to the role.
Extensive textile industry experience
Straughan began her association with the Society early in her career at Loughborough Dyeworks, where she represented the Midlands Region at SDC Council meetings. She later built an international career in textile machinery sales across Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East before co-founding a UK-based dyestuff and chemical trading company with her late husband, Richard Straughan, who served as SDC President between 2013 and 2015.
She currently serves as Chair of the SDC Enterprises Group Ltd Board and has previously held positions as Trustee and Trustee-Director. She was awarded FSDC CCol in 2009 and received the Society’s Silver Medal in 2016.
Focus on expanding industry engagement
Speaking after her appointment, Straughan said she aims to broaden the Society’s reach beyond the textile sector while supporting the future growth of both the Society and SDC Enterprises.
She also described the appointment as personally significant, noting that she and her late husband are believed to be the only married couple to have both served as Presidents of the Society.
Recognition for outgoing President
Outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson completed his term after focusing on promoting the Society’s historical resources and encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in the textile industry.
A member of the Society for 36 years, Wilkinson received the Bronze Medal in 2003 for his contributions to the Huddersfield Region and the Silver Medal in 2009 for his work on the Colour Index™ and the North of England Region.
Leadership welcomes new President
SDC Chief Executive Graham Clayton said Straughan’s international industry experience and long-standing commitment to the Society position her well to lead the organisation.
He added that her focus on strengthening collaboration, expanding engagement beyond textiles and creating new opportunities for education and industry partnerships aligns with the Society’s future objectives, while also thanking Stuart Wilkinson for his contributions during his presidency.
