End of an era for Ivan Kral
Leather industry stalwart Ivan Kral has announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2026, bringing to a close a 40-year career dedicated to leather technology, sustainability and international development.
Mr Kral spent the first two decades of his career working directly in the tanning sector, including roles at Koziarske Zavody and Tatra-Leder Liptovsky Mikulas. During this period, he focused on research and development, process optimisation and the creation of new leather articles and production technologies.
In 2006, he joined the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), where he helped support the development of more sustainable and efficient leather value chains around the world. His work included industry capacity-building programmes, the development of educational resources for leather technology and initiatives aimed at improving occupational health and safety across the sector.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Kral described it as being divided into two equally rewarding chapters: the first in leather production and technology, and the second in international development. He thanked colleagues, industry partners and organisations that had supported his work over the years, saying any achievements were the result of collaboration with dedicated teams and experts across the global leather community.
Among the organisations he worked with were the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), the Leather Working Group (LWG), the Sustainable Leather Foundation, COTANCE and the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI).
Although retiring from day-to-day responsibilities, Mr Kral said he intends to remain involved with selected projects as an adviser and mentor, while also spending more time with family and pursuing personal interests.
