SHERIDAN, WYOMING - December 10, 2025 - Koelnmesse Inc. is initiating a carefully planned leadership transition in North America, with long-time President and Managing Director Mette Petersen set to retire on June 30, 2026, and 22-year company veteran Darrin Stern taking over the top role on January 1, 2026. The structured handover is designed to safeguard continuity while positioning the U.S. subsidiary for its next decade of portfolio growth and international expansion.
Structured transition protects continuity and relationships
From 1 January 2026, Stern will assume the role of President and Managing Director, while Petersen will continue through the first half of the year in an advisory capacity. During this period she will mentor key team members and support strategic initiatives with Koelnmesse's headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
The phased changeover is meant to reassure exhibitors, associations and partners that Koelnmesse Inc.'s strategic direction remains stable in one of the most competitive exhibition markets worldwide. It reflects a succession philosophy that prioritizes institutional memory, customer trust and long-term relationships across the event portfolio.
Two decades of expansion and recognition under Petersen
Over 22 years, Petersen has driven growth across all key performance indicators at Koelnmesse Inc., including profitability, headcount, exhibition square footage and specialised exhibit concepts. She also launched three major trade events in North America and led the team to multiple Fastest 50 recognitions and two Gold 100 finalist honours from Trade Show Executive.
"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 Mette Petersen, outgoing President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc.
Her tenure has cemented Koelnmesse's profile as a reliable, innovation-driven organiser for North American industries looking to connect with global buyers-both through domestic events and through USA Pavilion concepts at leading shows in Cologne and elsewhere.
Stern brings deep show, pavilion and systems experience
Stern also has a 22-year track record with Koelnmesse Inc., most recently as Vice President of Business Development and Show Director for h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival. He has contributed to every show supported by Koelnmesse Inc., played leading roles in USA Pavilion initiatives, and helped build the company's IT and sales infrastructure.
"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 Darrin Stern, incoming President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc.
With his background spanning operations, business development and digital systems, Stern is expected to focus on portfolio expansion, data-driven sales and deeper integration between North American activities and Koelnmesse's global event network.
Global leadership backs growth ambitions in North America
Koelnmesse's global management is positioning the transition as a key step in its international growth strategy. "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 Chief Executive Officer of 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, Senior Vice President International of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Next decade: broader portfolio and stronger global connections
Looking ahead, Koelnmesse Inc. plans to expand its family of events in North America, extend the reach of USA Pavilions and deepen international partnerships. Strategic priorities include growing shows in both established and emerging sectors, creating new platforms that foster commerce and collaboration, and reinforcing Koelnmesse's reputation for reliability and global connectivity.
Together, the team aims to build on Petersen's legacy with a new growth phase characterised by a broader portfolio, stronger cross-border linkages and greater impact for exhibitors and attendees across industries.
For more information about Koelnmesse and its global portfolio of events, visit www.koelnmesse.de.