Europe’s Leather Industry mourns the loss of Silvino Navarro
Silvino Navarro Vidal was one of the two faces of Spain’s leather industry in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Andrés Colomer, in Vic brought the Spanish sheepskin sector to reign over World markets and Silvino Navarro put Spain on the Global map for the bovine sector, and much more.
The Valencian industry leader, born in MonoÌvar (Alicante) on 16 June 1927 was a trained chemical engineer and specialised in leather technology in Igualada. He dedicated his life to making leather a desirable, innovative and sustainable material. And indeed, he excelled in that endeavour!
Silvino Navarro developed his tannery INCUSA (Industrias del Curtido SA) into a group of tanneries with an international dimension in the global leather market. Not only was he an industry captain in his sector, he also took on important commitments, representing industry at cross-industry level and at international scale.
Indeed, Mr Navarro was a founding member of the Spanish Business and Employers’ organisation (CEOE) and co-founder and first President of the Valencian Business organisation (AVE). In the latter, he planted the seeds of the FundacioÌn de Estudios Avanzados, predecessor of the Rei Jaume I Awards, the most prestigious of Spain in recognising Science, Research and Entrepreneurship. He chaired the Spanish IULTCS member Society, AQUEIC, from 1960 to 1966.
And Silvino Navarro was also a convinced European. He was President of the Spanish Tanners Association (formerly CEC) from 1978 to 1982 and engaged first in joining COTANCE when Spain joined the European Economic Community back in the late 1980s. Then, together with his colleagues Adolfo Mattirolo (Italy), Klaus Folberth (France) and Bob Sykes (UK), he was one of the founding fathers of a reborn COTANCE , reshaping the European organisation to become the leading international industry body it is now. He was COTANCE Vice-President between 1989 and 1996.
Silvino Navarro Vidal was always there when there was a need for leadership. Farsighted with an analytical mind and strong convictions and principles, he was also always there for the people.
Europe’s leather industry will always remember Silvino Navarro and his legacy in the tanning industry.
Silvino Navarro Vidal died on the 27th of March in Valencia.
Rest in peace
International Leather encounter in the 1980s: First line from left to right Andrés Colomer, Augustin Giralt, Silvino Navarro Vidal