Messe Düsseldorf operative managing director to retire

Erhard Wienkamp, on the right, and Marius
Berlemann. (Picture Messe Düsseldorf)

In his 30 years at Messe Düsseldorf, Erhard Wienkamp has made a significant contribution to the company’s current level of internationality and to the size of its leading global trade shows K, interpack and ProWein. On 31 July, he retires as Messe Düsseldorf’s operative managing director. His successor is Marius Berlemann, who starts in his new position on 1 August.

Erhard Wienkamp has worked in various functions at Messe Düsseldorf since 1993. After holding 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, he took over the project management of the Papro, K and interpack trade shows at the beginning of his trade show career.

Since 2002, the economics graduate has been responsible for Messe Düsseldorf’s international trade show business as divisional manager and authorized signatory. In this role, he was also responsible for partner and guest events, official participations such as the joint exhibition booths of the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, special events, and the management of Messe Düsseldorf’s international shows. Erhard Wienkamp succeeded Hans Werner Reinhard as operative managing director in January 2020. In this role, he was responsible for the plastics and rubber portfolio with the leading global trade show K and nine trade shows abroad.

“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”, Wolfram N. Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, emphasized.

Having worked at Messe Düsseldorf for 13 years, the 38-year-old Marius Berlemann most recently served as General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf China.

“It’s been an honour 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”, Erhard Wienkamp declared.