Oliver Frese is the new COO of KölnMesse

Oliver Frese (pictured above) is an outstanding, experienced trade show organizer. But CeBit was doomed after years of success. The topic of IT takes place at virtually all well-known trade shows, including those in Hanover, which he headed.

The time of the once glorious CeBit had come to an end. Oliver Frese did the honorable thing in the fall of 2018 and stepped down as a member of the board of Deutsche Messe in Hannover. Now, as the new Managing Director, he is taking over the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kölnmesse as of January 1, 2020.

Hanover Fair, CeBit, ICT

That was intense: Oliver Frese was responsible for more than just CeBit as a member of Deutsche Messe's Board of Management. He can look back on 14 years of service at Deutsche Messe. Before joining the Board, he was responsible for Hannover Messe, the world's most important industrial trade fair, until 2013. As a member of the Board, he was in charge of the Technology, Catering and Services departments, as well as the ICT & Digital Business Events competence area and all public trade fairs at the Hannover site. 

Dynamic trade fair professional

Gerald Böse (pictured above), Chief Executive Officer of Kölnmesse, says: "Oliver Frese brings to Cologne a dynamic and respected trade fair professional who has experienced all facets of the rapidly transforming trade fair industry in his successful career to date. I look forward to working together with him on the Executive Board to continue our success story." 

Leadership trio in Cologne

Oliver Frese completes the management trio of Kölnmesse as COO alongside Gerald Böse, who as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for corporate strategy, development and international business, and Herbert Marner (CFO), who is responsible for the technical and financial areas.