Koelnmesse has announced plans to divide its Food and FoodTec units into two and promote two leaders to lead each division.

Effective June 1, Claire Steinbrück, previously director of imm cologne, will become vice president FoodTec. Bastian Mingers is transferring from Messe Düsseldorf to Cologne to assume responsibility for the Food business unit. 

"We are delighted to have been able to gain two experienced trade fair managers in Claire Steinbrück and Bastian Mingers," says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. "Together with their teams, they will further develop and expand the future Food and FoodTec business units. I am convinced of the international growth opportunities for our existing events in these areas, but also for premieres like Anuga HORIZON." 

Steinbrück and Mingers succeed Anne Schumacher, who left the company in February. 

Steinbrück (39) will assume responsibility for the Cologne trade fairs ProSweets Cologne, Anuga FoodTec and euvend & coffeena, as well as for the respective portfolio of events abroad. She has held management positions in the international trade fair business for more than 15 years. Before transferring to Koelnmesse in April 2016, Steinbrück served with Messe Frankfurt as deputy director of the German pavilion at EXPO Milano 2015. She has served as director of the imm cologne furnishings trade fair since August 2018. 

"Claire Steinbrück is characterized by her strategic strength, her experience in the global trade fair business and her consistent customer orientation," said Koelnmesse COO Oliver Frese.

After 11 years at Messe Düsseldorf, Mingers, currently as global head wine & spirits, will lead the Food business unit in Cologne. As such, he will assume responsibility for ISM, Anuga, the premiere event Anuga HORIZON and the extensive portfolio of events abroad. 

"We are looking forward to Bastian Minger's expertise as an experienced project manager in the trade fair business and are certain he will further develop our Food trade fairs, while also perfectly positioning them in the international market," Frese says.