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Messe Düsseldorf operative MD to retire

Erhard Wienkamp is retiring at the end of the month as Messe Düsseldorf’s operative managing director after 30 years at the trade fair organiser, which includes global brand ProWein.

Wienkamp will be replaced by Marius Berlemann in August having worked in various functions, taking over the project management of the Papro, K and interpack trade shows at the beginning of his trade show career.

His career has also included positions in the foreign trade department of the Federation of German Wholesale and Foreign Trade in Bonn, and the German-Argentinean Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Buenos Aires.

Messe Düsseldorf said that he had made a “significant contribution to the company’s current level of internationality”, as well as the size of leading shows, such as ProWein.

Divisional manager

Since 2002, he has been responsible for its trade show business as divisional manager, including being responsible for partner and guest events, as well as the management of its international shows.

Wienkamp succeeded Hans Werner Reinhard as operative managing director in January 2020, and was responsible for a large number of shows, including the wine and spirits portfolio of ProWein and its six trade shows abroad.

In addition, he led the Corporate Social Responsibility unit and two of the three sales teams at Messe Düsseldorf.

Heavyweights

Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf and chairman of the supervisory board of Messe Düsseldorf, said: “The trade shows that Erhard Wienkamp is responsible for are heavyweights in their industry, bringing people from all over the world to Düsseldorf year after year and not only enriching the international flair of our city but also promoting the regional economy.”

Wolfram N. Diener, president & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said: “Erhard Wienkamp didn’t wait for the world to come to Düsseldorf, he went out into the world and carried the reputation of Messe Düsseldorf and the entire city to other countries and continents. His work has shaped the company like no one else’s.”

Successor

His successor will be Marius Berlemann, who will start in his new position on August 1. Having worked at Messe Düsseldorf for 13 years, Berlemann most recently served as general manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and managing director of Messe Düsseldorf China.

Erhard Wienkamp said: “It’s been an honor to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated team, one that has always strived to set the highest standards in the trade show industry.

“I’m confident that my successor, with his extensive experience and commitment, will continue to propel Messe Düsseldorf forward. I wish him and the entire team nothing but success for the future.”

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