Koelnmesse has implemented significant leadership changes across its workplace furniture trade fair portfolio, appointing new directors to oversee both its established European operations and expanding Middle Eastern presence. Maik Fischer, who has successfully directed interzum for seven years, will now also take charge of ORGATEC and the newly created interior design days cologne (idd cologne), while Thomas Postert moves to head the recently launched ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Portfolio Expansion
Fischer’s expanded role leverages his extensive experience in the furniture and interior design sector, where he has built substantial expertise in trade fair management and industry networks. The 46-year-old business administration graduate previously managed international projects including Feria Mueble & Madera, Andina Pack and Alimentec in Colombia before assuming leadership of interzum in 2018. His appointment reflects Koelnmesse’s strategy to harness synergies between related industry events, particularly given the content parallels between interzum, ORGATEC, and idd cologne.
Postert, who orchestrated ORGATEC’s successful repositioning last year, brings over 23 years of management experience at Koelnmesse to his new role overseeing the Saudi Arabian expansion. The 51-year-old trade fair expert will focus on establishing the new ORGATEC WORKSPACE format in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern market, building on the momentum from the inaugural event that took place in Riyadh in September 2025.
Market Development Focus
The management restructuring supports Koelnmesse’s expansion into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic construction market, where more than 255 projects worth 1.7 billion US dollars are currently driving infrastructure and workplace development. ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia, jointly hosted with dmg events, positioned companies to access decision-makers across the region and tap into the growing demand for modern workplace solutions.
Looking ahead to ORGATEC 2026, scheduled for October 27-30 in Cologne, the event will continue its evolution as a comprehensive business festival for modern work environments. Developed in collaboration with the Interior Business Association (IBA), the upcoming edition will feature innovative Focus Areas, the Work Culture Festival, and participation formats such as #ImpulseContract. Early-bird registration remains available until June 15, 2025, as companies prepare to showcase innovations that will define workplace transformation.
