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Koelnmesse names new COO

Katharina Hamma becomes new Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.


 

Katharina C. Hamma is the new Chief Operating Officer of the Koelnmesse management team.
The International Hardware Fair, Cologne, is the world's largest trade fair for tools, fasteners and security products.

As of October 1, Katharina C. Hamma (45) has been the third member of the Koelnmesse management team. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), she will be responsible for the operations of the entire trade fair programme in Cologne, as well as for the company's sales, communications and services. About half of Koelnmesse's approximately 500 employees work in these areas.

One of the many trade fairs produced by Koelnmesse is the International Hardware Fair, the world's largest show for tools, fasteners and security products.

"I'm looking forward to being in Cologne and working in one of the world's most exciting trade fair locations," says Hamma, an experienced trade fair manager who is moving from Munich to Cologne. She will be the third member of Koelnmesse's top management team, which also includes President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gerald Böse and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Herbert Marner.

Katharina C. Hamma has set herself clear priorities for the weeks ahead. "I've already devoted intense study to Koelnmesse and my future responsibilities," she says. "But the only way to gain detailed knowledge about the individual sectors and projects is to engage in a permanent dialogue with the people involved. And this is where I'll need the support of my colleagues from the individual projects. That's why I'll use the days ahead to get to know as many Koelnmesse employees as possible and to gain an overview of the company's structures and working methods."

Hamma, who has a degree in textile engineering, describes herself as hard-working, totally committed, and loyal. She says she expects to find the same qualities in her colleagues. "But I'm not worried about that," she adds. "Koelnmesse employees have an outstanding reputation in the trade fair sector."

In addition to many in-house talks and meetings, in the coming weeks the new Executive Vice President will also engage in dialogue with important sector associations and institutions that are involved in the organization and implementation of events in Cologne. "A continuous process of communication with our partners on the basis of mutual trust is a major factor in trade fair success, so one of my most important tasks will be to safeguard and expand this excellent cooperation in the future as well," says Hamma.

An initial opportunity to get to know the important representatives of a dynamic economic sector will be offered by Anuga, the leading global trade fair for food and beverages, which will begin on 8th October. "It's certainly an advantage to be able to experience an absolutely top-ranking event at the very beginning of my job and to see how my colleagues cope with their daily challenges," says Hamma. "I'll make good use of the trade fair days to make contacts at all levels throughout the sector."

Apart from her professional responsibilities, Katharina C. Hamma would like to explore her new home region and get to know Cologne. "After living in Munich for 14 years, I'm happy to come back to the Rhineland," she says. "I'm looking forward to Cologne, the Rhineland and its people with their legendary cheerful disposition. I'm sure I'll feel very comfortable here."

Learn more at www.koelnmesse.de

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