Stephen Sothmann, president of the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA), was elected chairman of the International Council of Hides, Skins and Leather Traders Association (ICHSLTA) at the organization’s Annual General Meeting in Hong Kong on March 31, 2016.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next chairman of ICHSLTA,” Sothmann said.  “I look forward to working with the association’s members and partners to meet the challenges of a dynamic international marketplace for hides, skins and leather.”  

Founded in 1929, ICHSLTA represents the interests of the hide, skins and leather trades of more than 30 countries, and advocates for the promotion, development and protection of the international trade in raw hides, skins and leathers.

Sothmann will serve a two-year term during which he will work to continue ongoing negotiations with the International Council of Tanners on an updated version of the International Contract for the sale of hides and skins and on new regulations for products exported to China, which are due to take effect at the end of this year.

Sothmann replaces Nick Winters, managing director of the France-based Nick Winters Group, as ICHSLTA chairman.  Two vice presidents also were elected from the Australian and Chinese hides and skins industries.

Sothmann is the current president of USHSLA, an affiliate of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), and previously served as the director of international affairs for both USHSLA and the American Meat Institute.  He earned a law degree and Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University.  

Source: USHSLA