Leather researcher Elton Hurlow awarded with Honorary Doctorate

The University of Northampton is pleased to have awarded Elton Hurlow with an Honorary Doctorate at this year’s Summer Graduation Ceremonies.

Formerly from South Africa, Elton is currently the Global Marketing Development Manager of Buckman International, in the USA. His background is in research and development in the leather industry – initially at the Leather Industries Research Institute (LIRI) in Rhodes in South Africa, then special projects manager for Pfister and Vogel, a major tannery in the USA.

He has long been involved in the wider management of the technical arm of the global leather industry. From 1985 to 1987, he was the Secretary/Treasurer of the South African Section of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemistry (SLTC) in UK. From 1999 to 2001, he was the President of the American Leather Chemists Association (ALCA) and from 2008 to 2009, he was President of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS).

After more than 30 years of experience in the leather sector at the forefront of technology, Elton is currently Chair of IUL, the Liaison Commission of IULTCS, linking the International Union and the wider world. Amongst other functions, IULTCS is the guardian of the international standards and analytical and test methods.

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “In addition to celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of summer 2015, we are also recognising high profile individuals who have made a positive impact on others.  The recipients of these honorary awards will inspire our graduates as they begin the next exciting stage in their lives, making their own mark on the world.”