Koelnmesse Inc., host of ISM and other industry conferences, is entering a new chapter with a structured and collaborative leadership transition. Effective January 1, 2026, Darrin Stern will become president and managing director, succeeding Mette Petersen, who will retire June 30, 2026, after 22 years of leadership. Peterson will continue in an advisory capacity through the first half of the year to ensure a smooth handover, mentoring team members and supporting key initiatives with Koelnmesse’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany. This planned transition reinforces Koelnmesse’s commitment to continuity, growth, and long-term success in North America, it says.

Over the past 22 years, Petersen has reportedly grown the U.S. office across all key performance indicators—including profitability, personnel, exhibition square footage, and specialized exhibit options. She also introduced and successfully launched three major trade events in North America. Under her leadership the team earned consecutive Fastest 50 recognitions and two Gold 100 finalist honors from the magazine Trade Show Executive. Her leadership has forged a legacy of strong events, enduring industry relationships, growing Koelnmesse recognition in North America, and a resilient team positioned for continued success, the organization says. 

"It has been the honor of my career to lead Koelnmesse Inc. for more than 22 years. Together with an incredible team, we introduced new shows, expanded our reach, and secured our place in one of the most dynamic exhibition markets in the world. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished, and I leave with full confidence that the foundation we built will carry Koelnmesse forward for decades to come,” says Petersen.

Effective January 1, 2026, Darrin Stern will assume the role of president and managing director of Koelnmesse Inc. Stern brings his own 22-year legacy with the company, most recently serving as VP of business development and show director for h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival. Throughout his tenure, Stern has contributed to every show supported by Koelnmesse Inc., including leading roles in USA Pavilion initiatives, and has been instrumental in building the company’s IT infrastructure and sales systems, it says.

“I’m honored and energized to step into this role on January 1. Mette built something extraordinary—and the team she led is a powerhouse. My goal is simple: protect her legacy by build on it. We’ll leverage our strengths, expand our family of events, and ensure the next chapter at Koelnmesse Inc. is more dynamic and future-ready than ever,” says Stern.

“Mette Petersen has been a remarkable leader and ambassador for Koelnmesse in North America. Her dedication, vision, and ability to build both successful events and strong partnerships have been invaluable to our global growth strategy. We are deeply grateful for her 22 years of service. With Darrin stepping into the role, we’re confident that Koelnmesse Inc. will continue to thrive and expand our global reach,” says Gerald Böse, president and CEO, Koelnmesse GmbH.

“Darrin is the ideal leader for this next chapter—he knows our business, our people, and our purpose inside and out. Under Mette’s leadership, Koelnmesse Inc. has flourished. With Darrin at the helm, supported by an outstanding team, I’m confident we'll continue to accelerate growth and strengthen Koelnmesse’s global family of events,” says Denis Steker, SVP International of Koelnmesse GmbH.

Looking ahead, Koelnmesse Inc. will continue expanding the Koelnmesse family of events in North America, bringing more industries and communities together under one global platform. Over the next decade, the company says it is committed to:

• Growing its portfolio of shows across both established and emerging markets.
• Expanding the reach of USA pavilions and deepening international partnerships.
• Building new opportunities for exhibitors and attendees that foster commerce, creativity, and collaboration.
• Ensuring the Koelnmesse brand remains synonymous with excellence, reliability, and global connection.

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