Smit & zoon has announced that Dirick von Behr has been appointed as strategic leather specialist.

In this role von Behr will help guide the company towards new, innovative products and processes to make the leather value chain more sustainable.

Von Behr graduated from the Reutlingen leather institute in 1987, after which he spent many years in international positions including leather technician and tannery manager, among others. In 1993 he joined Smit & zoon as the company’s technical manager, leading an international team of leather technicians.

Hans van Haarst, CEO of Smit & zoon, said: “Dirick is a highly accomplished leather expert. With his talent and experience he has already been a key addition to our company for over two decades. I am confident that in his new role Dirick will support us in realising our ambition to make the leather industry more sustainable.”