John Gallagher Leaves Messe Frankfurt USA's Top Post, Kathyrn Fitts and Dennis Smith Step In

October 27, 2013

A few months shy of the two-year anniversary of John Gallagher stepping into the dual roles of president and CEO for Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's Atlanta-based U.S. subsidiary, he is leaving and will be replaced by Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith.

Fitts has been serving as vice president of finance and administration, and Smith has been serving as vice president of sales in the Atlanta office.

The changes will be made effective immediately, though their new titles have not been revealed yet.  

"Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith are the new leadership team at Messe Frankfurt Inc. They have taken over from John Gallagher, who has decided to move into a different direction,“ said Detlef Braun, responsible member of Messe Frankfurt’s Board of Management for the Americas.

He added, “With this step, Messe Frankfurt implements its leaderhip model of shared responsibility between the operative and the administrative part of the business also in the U.S. market."

Gallagher had taken over the reins at the company Feb. 1, 2012, when he replaced outgoing CEO David Audrain.

Fitts previously worked for Progressive Logistics Services, C2 Education and I.B.I.S., Inc., before she joined Messe Frankfurt USA in November 2012.

 

Smith previously worked at Smalley and Company and Hannover Messe International Istanbul, before he joined Messe Frankfurt USA in February 2012.

The company currently produces 9 trade shows in varying industries in the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. 

These industries include technology and production, textiles and textile technologies, mobility and infrastructure. 

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