Koelnmesse extends contract with Chief Operating Officer Oliver Frese

Koelnmesse GmbH, one of the world's leading organizers of trade fairs and exhibitions, recently announced the extension of its contract with Oliver Frese, the company's current Chief Operating Officer (COO). The contract, which was set to expire at the end of 2024, has been extended for an additional five years until December 31, 2029.

Oliver Frese, who has held the position since 2020, has played a crucial role in navigating the Cologne events portfolio through the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, he introduced a new operating model in the key areas of sales, service and marketing communications.

Gerald Böse, Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, praised Frese's outstanding contributions, emphasizing the successful implementation of the portfolio's global responsibility in trade fair management. "I am convinced that Koelnmesse will continue to grow with Oliver Frese by our side," said Böse.

Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Koelnmesse, also welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of strengthening fair activities in Cologne.

Prior to joining Koelnmesse, Oliver Frese held senior management positions in companies such as Deutsche Telekom and the EnBW energy group, and was a member of the board of Deutsche Messe AG.

Looking to the future, Frese expressed his commitment to the development and expansion of trade fair formats and concepts that are highly attractive for Cologne. "My goal is for Koelnmesse events to remain unmissable dates in the diaries of the more than 50,000 current exhibiting companies, but also to become the ideal venue for new exhibitors and partners," said Frese.

Koelnmesse, which celebrates 100 years in 2024is one of the world's largest trade fair organizers. With around 1000 employees, the company manages around 80 trade fairs, guest events and corporate events annually in Cologne and in the world's most important markets. Its portfolio attracts more than 54,000 exhibiting companies from 122 countries and around three million visitors from over 200 nations.

Over the next few years, Koelnmesse will invest more than €1 billion in the development of fair grounds in an investment program unprecedented in its history, which will enable it to cover all formats of events in the future.