Joachim Kaufmann To Succeed Juergen Boos @ Frankfurter Buchmesse

Internationally experienced publishing executive Joachim Kaufmann will become President and CEO of Frankfurter Buchmesse in autumn 2026. He will succeed Juergen Boos, who has led the organisation successfully for more than 20 years and has played a decisive role in shaping the fair as the world’s meeting place for the global book and media industry. Following the conclusion of this year’s Frankfurter Buchmesse in October, Juergen Boos will retire. As long-standing CEO of Carlsen Verlag (Bonnier Group), Kaufmann was responsible, among other things, for Bonnier’s expansion into new markets and for establishing the book business in Poland and China.

Commenting on his forthcoming role, Joachim Kaufmann said,”After 20 amazing years at Carlsen and the Bonnier Group, I am very much looking forward to starting an entirely new chapter in my professional life and continuing the extremely successful work of Juergen Boos. I can hardly wait to work with a great team to further develop the world’s most important book fair. In its role as the leading international event for the global book industry, it must remain the central venue for both rights trading and personal exchanges for the entire book world, and constantly adapt to the needs of its customers.”

While, Juergen Boos added,“I am very pleased that Joachim Kaufmann has been chosen as my successor. I have known and valued Joachim for many years of working together for the international book industry and for freedom of expression. Few leaders in our world of books are as capable as he is of inspiring people with his ideas and convictions. He and the strong culture of collaboration within the Frankfurter Buchmesse team are an ideal match.”