HANNOVER, Germany, March 5, 2026 — Deutsche Messe AG has created the structural framework to further strengthen the positioning of its globally leading industrial event. As of March 1, 2026, the company has established a dedicated business unit exclusively focused on HANNOVER MESSE and closely related partner events.
With this strategic focus, Deutsche Messe AG aims to further enhance the long-term development, international positioning and thematic profile of the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology. At the same time, market development in key future fields such as automation, digitalization, energy and innovation will be further intensified.
Christian Pfeiffer has been appointed to lead the new business unit “HANNOVER MESSE & Partner Events.” Pfeiffer, previously senior vice president Sales at Deutsche Messe AG, brings more than 20 years of international trade fair and sales experience to the role. In his former position, he was responsible for all national and international sales activities of Deutsche Messe AG, managed global sales structures in around 150 countries, and held management and board roles in several international subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Three clearly focused strategic areas
Within the new business unit, the core thematic areas of HANNOVER MESSE will be consolidated into three strategically aligned departments:
Automation & Drive Technology
This department will be headed by Carolin Illig. She will oversee exhibition areas related to robotics, industrial automation and drive technology. Illig brings many years of experience in sales and in the conceptual development of these segments, along with extensive expertise in business development, process optimization and the establishment of strategic partnerships.
Digitalization & Energy
This department will be led by Hubertus von Monschaw. Its focus includes industrial digitalization, Industrial IT, AI-driven applications, platform solutions, data ecosystems, as well as energy generation, management and sustainable energy systems. Von Monschaw has held senior positions within the HANNOVER MESSE environment for more than 20 years and brings extensive experience in the conceptualization, development and optimization of technology-driven trade fair topics.
Innovation, Production & Investment
Kathrin Schmidt will head this department. Her responsibilities include topics such as research and technology transfer, compressed air and vacuum technology, start-ups, foreign trade and investment, as well as industrial supply and engineering solutions. Schmidt also brings many years of experience within the HANNOVER MESSE environment, combined with extensive expertise in international sales management, the coordination of global sales partner networks and the negotiation of strategic partnerships.
