Messe Düsseldorf is further accelerating its global expansion with the creation of a new corporate division called 'Global Corporate Development and Strategy'. This move is part of the company's efforts to enhance its international footprint and will be spearheaded by Claire Steinbrück (42) from 2025. Steinbrück will join the management board of Messe Düsseldorf, reporting directly to President & CEO Wolfram N. Diener. By establishing this division, Messe Düsseldorf aims to embed the growing importance of internationalisation into its corporate structure, while bolstering its leadership resources to drive future growth.
The appointment of Steinbrück adds significant expertise to the board as she takes on this role from Koelnmesse GmbH. From mid-2025, she will oversee the new division, focusing on strategically significant projects that support the company's global development goals. With this new role, Steinbrück becomes the second woman in the Executive Director tier, alongside Petra Cullmann. 'We are delighted to welcome Claire Steinbrück, an experienced leader in the international trade fair industry. Her strategic insights and global approach will be instrumental in advancing Messe Düsseldorf's international ambitions and reinforcing our market position,' said Wolfram N. Diener.
In her new position, Steinbrück will work on expanding Messe Düsseldorf's worldwide network, ensuring the structures and organisation effectively promote continued global growth. The aim is to align Messe Düsseldorf's international product range with the needs of customers while solidifying Düsseldorf's status as a premier global trade fair centre. In 2023, international exhibitors made up 78% of participants in Düsseldorf, while 39% of visitors came from abroad. Steinbrück expressed enthusiasm for her new role: 'Messe Düsseldorf is one of the leading trade fair organisers globally. To maintain our competitive edge, we must expand our network, explore new markets, and innovate. I am eager to contribute actively to shaping the company's future.'
Steinbrück's extensive background in the trade fair sector spans over a decade. Her career began at Messe Frankfurt, working in Mexico and Argentina before joining Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH in 2008. There, she served as project manager for Innovation Management until December 2012. She then became Deputy Director of the German Pavilion at EXPO Milano 2015. In 2016, Steinbrück moved to Koelnmesse GmbH, where she occupied several positions until November 2024, most recently as Divisional Director for Trade Fair Management, overseeing strategic and conceptual matters within the global food technology fair sector. Her industry experience will now be harnessed to position Messe Düsseldorf strongly in international markets.
Messe Düsseldorf has been investing heavily in international business growth in recent years. Initiatives include launching 29 new international events since 2023, creating the 'Messe Düsseldorf for Asia' network by integrating five Asian subsidiaries, and acquiring a 50% stake in the joint venture 'Hannover Messe Ankiros Fuarcılık A.S.' in Ankara. This strategic expansion is reflected in the formation of the 'Global Corporate Development and Strategy' division, encompassing departments like 'Corporate Business Development' (with 'New Product Development', 'Market Research', and 'Partner and Guest Events'), 'Sales Development', 'International Business', and the newly planned 'Corporate Development' unit. 'With these competencies now under Claire Steinbrück's leadership, we are laying the foundation for more effective access to global markets, quicker responses to international trends, and sustained growth,' emphasised Wolfram N. Diener.
More information:
Messe Düsseldorf
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www.messe-duesseldorf.com