APAC | Koelnmesse has expanded its strategic presence across the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) and introduced a strengthened leadership framework to support its long-term strategy.
With the appointment of Mathias Küpper as Regional President APAC, the company is consolidating responsibilities, enhancing cross-regional cooperation and accelerating the development of its established global brands in key Asian growth markets.
Effective December 2025, Mathias Küpper will assume the newly created position of Regional President APAC, in addition to his current responsibilities as Managing Director of both Koelnmesse Pte. Ltd. in Singapore and Koelnmesse’s joint venture Expolink Global Network Ltd. in Thailand.
Based in Singapore, he will lead strategic alignment and collaboration across Koelnmesse’s regional subsidiaries.
His responsibilities include overseeing the organisation’s activities in Singapore, as well as guiding the strategic development of its trade fairs and offices in Thailand and Indonesia, alongside the markets and opportunities in neighbouring countries across the APAC region.
“As Regional President APAC, Mathias Küpper will work closely with our management teams in Japan, China and Hong Kong to further strengthen our regional portfolio, expand cross-market partnerships and enhance our commercial performance through closer alignment and optimised processes,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse.
As part of this realignment, Mathias Küpper will hand over the operational management of the Hong Kong subsidiary to Michiel Kruse, who will take on this responsibility in addition to his current role as Managing Director of Koelnmesse’s Chinese subsidiary, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
“The reorganisation comes at a time of strong international growth for Koelnmesse,” said Mathias Küpper, designated Regional President APAC.
“We have significantly expanded our portfolio in Asia in recent years and successfully positioned leading trade fair brands in dynamic growth markets. My goal is to continue this course consistently, further strengthen our presence across the region and work with our local teams to unlock new opportunities for growth.”
In 2024, Koelnmesse celebrated successful premieres, for example, in Bangkok with THAIFEX – HOREC Asia and in Tokyo with Anuga Select Japan.
The expansion continued in 2025 with events such as the International Hardware Fair Indonesia, interzum Jakarta, and the new DMEXCO Asia in Singapore.
In 2026, additional platforms such as IFMAC/WOODMAC in Jakarta will follow.
