Dr Robert Sykes OBE FRSC FSLTC, a well-respected senior figure of the British leather sector, passed away on 5 October, aged 89.

A world-renowned leather industry chemist, Dr Sykes enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than six decades. Chief executive of the BLC until his retirement in 1992, he continued to be heavily influential and in 2007 won the first IULTCS Merit Award for excellence in the leather industry.

His funeral will take place on 25 October, in London.