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Ron Gottlieb awarded Life Membership of Specialised Textiles Association
15 July 2026
Snapped at FESPA Barcelona, Ron Gottlieb (second from the left) with colleague Matt Evans (left) and industry peers Nigel Spicer (Spicers), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging) with Peter Eaton (Starleaton – front right).
Widely respected as a central figure amongst other members of the Specialised Textiles Association (STA) and the Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association (ACASPA), Ron Gottlieb, enigmatic owner of Ricky Richards, has been honoured by his peers as a Life Member of the STA. Ron becomes only the 32nd STA member since 1966 to achieve this industry recognition.
In a note of thanks to the STA for the honour, Gottlieb described it as ‘beyond a humbling experience’, saying: “If you don’t really understand what the STA is then get with it and find out. I went to my first industry convention in Adelaide in 1986 and believe that I have only missed two in the time since. I know that my progress in life has certainly been influenced and shaped to some degree by my membership of the organisation. The friendships that I have made through the industry and particularly through STA will remain with me until I hang up that final phone call.”
With a career spanning more than 40 years, marked by business leadership, industry advocacy and sustained support for the STA, Ron Gottlieb is recognised as one of the most influential and enduring figures in Australia’s specialised textiles sector, credited with shaping both the commercial and cultural fabric of the sector. Colleagues describe him as a benchmark of industry leadership, noted for an unconventional approach to business, strong personal integrity, and deep respect for staff, peers and partners.
Ron joined Ricky Richards in 1984, shortly after its founding in 1983 by his brother Norman Gottlieb. His leadership helped to expand the company’s role in the domestic market through the introduction of international textile technologies, the development of long-term global supplier relationships, and sustained support for manufacturers and fabricators across Australia.
Ricky Richards and Ron are also well-known for their philanthropic support of the sector, including backing industry programs such as apprenticeship awards, reflecting a strong commitment to developing future talent and encouraging younger entrants into the field.
Industry peers consistently highlight Ron’s willingness to support the association both financially and personally, describing him as a first mover in contributing to industry initiatives. But Ron’s influence has extended beyond commercial success to encompass mentorship, philanthropy and sustained institutional support: cementing his reputation as one of the most enduring contributors to Australia’s specialised textiles sector.
