On June 30, CEO Ernst Kick and Dr. Hans-Juergen Richter will withdraw from the executive board of Spielwarenmesse eG upon the conclusion of their terms. Both Kick and Dr. Richter spent the past year and a half dealing with the unexpected challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic and shifting operations to digital events and looking ahead to a return to physical trade shows beginning next year.
“We would have liked to say goodbye to all our long-standing colleagues in person,” Kick says. “Dr. Richter and I are very confident that the new three-member board will steer Spielwarenmesse eG into a successful future, building on its role as a driving force within the industry — we firmly believe in the continued need for and benefits of trade fairs.”
On July 1, Christian Ulrich, Florian Hess, and Jens Pflüger will take the reins at Spielwarenmesse eG.
Kick was appointed CEO of Spielwarenmesse in 2002. For nearly two decades, he led the organization’s growth through expanding offerings across a global network. Dr. Richter joined the Spielwarenmesse eG’s Executive Board in 2005 and has primarily been responsible for legal and membership matters. Dr. Richter also acted as interim CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG until Kick took over.
