Lubrication, Tribology Society Appoints New Leadership

Paul Hetherington from Petro-Canada Lubricants will become the first president from a Canadian lubricants manufacturer to lead the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). Hetherington officially joined the STLE Executive Committee as treasurer in May. He will assume the position of President in May 2020 during the 75th STLE Annual Meeting in Chicago.

“This opportunity brings Canada and Petro-Canada to the forefront of the world lubricants stage,” says Paul Hetherington, team leader, technical services Canada, Petro-Canada. “Having a seat at the STLE table gives us access to additional research and resources that we can use to help lead the industry to better, more efficient and longer-lasting lubricants, which will in turn save our customers time and money through improved equipment and reliability.”

Hetherington is a long-standing member on the STLE board of directors. He established a 20-year career at Syncrude as a lubricants and fuels corporate technical advisor. He proceeded to spend 9 years at Fluid Life Corporation in Edmonton developing and managing the consulting and training division. He joined Petro-Canada in 2011.

The STLE serves 15,000 industry professionals worldwide. It delivers on a strategic plan for global advocacy, education, and research that leads to stronger, sustainable innovation in equipment and product performance. The STLE also shares a trends report across Europe and Asia. It promotes research funded by the National Science Foundation. Its resolution recognizing the impact of tribology on the United States economy was recently introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives.  

“As President,” said Hetherington, “it will be my responsibility to ensure that we continue to engage in positive, transformational industry initiatives that will have a ripple effect across the globe, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring long-term sustainability for a better world tomorrow.”