David Audrain, president and CEO of the U.S. division of Germany-based Messe Frankfurt, will step down from his post when his contract expires Dec. 31.

“The last six years here in Atlanta have been a tremendous experience for me, building a remarkable team here that has delivered outstanding results in a most challenging economic climate,” Audrain said.

He added, “We have launched many new successful shows and built a portfolio that in 2012 will deliver the best year in Messe Frankfurt’s history in North America.”

Audrain said he does not have another position in place when he leaves Messe Frankfurt North America as of now.

In a statement from Messe Frankfurt officials Wolfgang Marzin, Detlef Braun and Uew Behm informing company employees of Audrain’s planned departure, they said it was an “amicable agreement”.

Furthermore, they added that they were looking for a suitable successor to run Messe Frankfurt North America.

In the meantime, Stephanie Everett recently was promoted as vice president with responsibility for all Messe Frankfurt trade shows in the U.S. and Canada.

Daniel McKinnon, in his capacity as deputy CEO, will continue to be in charge of sales for all overseas shows.

“In spite of a difficult business environment and an extremely competitive exhibition industry, our events in North America have performed well this year – Texworld USA recently recorded positive growth in both exhibitor and visitor figures in July,” the joint statement continued. “We aim to continue this growth within the group: with a new management team behind our US business as of 2012 and with our motivated team.”

Under Audrain’s direction, Messe Frankfurt North America’s portfolio not only included the fast-growing Texworld USA event, but also Texprocess America, Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo, Automechanika Mexico and Apparel Sourcing, to name just a few.

Previously, Audrain held senior executive positions with leading exhibition industry firms such as Miller Freeman, Hanley Wood Exhibitions Advanstar Communications and ConvExx. 

Audrain is a past chairman of the International Association for Exhibitions and Eventsand currently serves on the board of directors for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research and the Society of Independent Show Organizers.

“We would like to thank David Audrain for his significant contribution to the development of our North American business in very challenging economic times,” the statement read.

Audrain said it was the right time for him to find new challenges and “to take advantage of the opportunities that the current market conditions are creating for change in our industry.  So, I look forward with great excitement to taking on those challenges!”