Wolfram Diener appointed new CEO of Messe Düsseldorf

Dornscheidt has left his mark on Messe Düsseldorf: its corporate strategy, its international outlook, its state-of-the-art premises, its digital transformation and its financial stability. After almost 17 years as a President & CEO – and serving the company for about 37 years –Dornscheidt will now resign from his office on 30 June 2020.

‘Trade fairs are my life,’ said Werner Dornschiedt. ‘What we have built up together with my team over all those years benefits the company today. While conditions are difficult at present, it is comforting to know that “my” company is in good hands. The team is already busy working on a re-start and developing further digital add-ons so that Messe Düsseldorf will also remain the successful, reputable company in the future that it is today. I have made my contribution.’

Wolfram Diener has served Messe Düsseldorf as managing director of operative business since 2018 and will take over as chief executive officer from 1 July 2020.

‘I am delighted at the trust placed in me. We can perfectly build on Werner Dornscheidt’s achievements and jointly rise to the challenges ahead,’ commented Wolfram Diener. ‘Here in Düsseldorf we boast an inimitable brand profile that can be made even more successful through the drivers that are internationalization and digitalization; and what’s just as important: a powerful team.’

Erhard Wienkamp (managing director of fair management) and Bernhard Stempfle (managing director of finance, technical operations, digital strategy and communication) will complete the Board of managing directors.

‘Markets are shifting, the world is getting more international, digital and complex. The Covid-19 pandemic brings unprecedented challenges. Looking back on my many years of trade fair experience, Wolfram Diener, Bernhard Stempfle and Erhard Wienkamp are the ideal trio to steer Messe Düsseldorf through the Corona crisis and place it in pole position for the future,’ concluded Dornscheidt.