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New Management of
Messe Düsseldorf India
Continues Growth Course

Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati succeed Thomas Schlitt

From left to right: Thomas Schlitt, former Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf India, with his successors Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati as well as Wolfram N. Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. Credits: Messe Düsseldorf India

Generational change in the management of Messe Düsseldorf India (MDI): After nine years, the outgoing Managing Director Thomas Schlitt bids farewell to the Indian subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf headquartered in New Delhi. Effective April 1, 2024, Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati will take up his position. They aim to build upon the successes of their predecessor, which they have already contributed to as part of the MDI team in recent years. Their goal is to further enhance the strong market position of Messe Düsseldorf in the currently fastest-growing economy – in the interest of its customers, partners and shareholders.

New Delhi, March 27, 2024: Thomas Schlitt has significantly shaped the past nine years of Messe Düsseldorf India as Managing Director, leading the company through a period of remarkable growth. During this time, he and his team established strategic partnerships and expanded the portfolio of the Indian subsidiary with strong new events. These include glasspro India for the glass industry, ProWine Mumbai for the growing market of wines and spirits, Valve World Expo India for industrial valves and valve accessories, In-Store Asia for retail design, and the FAMDENT Shows and Awards focusing on clinical dentistry.

Wolfram N. Diener traveled to India to bid Thomas Schlitt a fitting farewell. Credits: Messe Düsseldorf India

Success Story of MDI

Messe Düsseldorf India provides both local and international companies with relevant industry platforms to participate in India's rapid growth: India is projected to lead the growth of the top 10 economies until 2026, with an annual growth rate of six to seven percent. Simultaneously, exhibitions in this key market serve as attractive showcases for the global exhibition hub of Düsseldorf/North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). Over the past ten years (2014 to 2023), 115,351 visitors from India attended the world-leading trade fairs in Düsseldorf, making India the second-largest visitor nation outside Europe. Additionally, 3,222 exhibiting companies occupied 90,997 square meters of exhibition space, ranking 4th and 3rd respectively outside Europe.

Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, expresses gratitude to Thomas Schlitt: "Thomas has made numerous contributions to the growth and success of Messe Düsseldorf India – and thus, to the Messe Düsseldorf Group as a whole – with his dedication, strategic foresight, and leadership qualities. His spirit will continue to inspire and motivate the team as the company embarks on the next chapter of its journey."

The new General Managers of Messe Düsseldorf India: Ajay Kumar Gulati (l.) and Millie Arthur Contractor. Credits: Messe Düsseldorf India

Handover of the Baton

As of April 1, 2024, Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati will take over as new General Managers of Messe Düsseldorf India. Both have been active in the company previously – Millie Contractor has been driving operational growth as Director Sales since 2016, while Ajay Gulati joined a year later as Director Finance & Company Secretary. They actively contributed to the success of previous years and will continue the growth trajectory.

Thomas Schlitt sees the future of Messe Düsseldorf India in capable hands: "Millie and Ajay are talented and experienced Executives who have driven our business, strategy and operations. Their Leadership, combined with our talented Team and unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional value to our exhibitors, visitors and partners alike, will ensure Messe Düsseldorf India’s continued growth in the years ahead."

Ready to Launch

Millie Contractor expresses enthusiasm for this transition: "I greatly appreciate the confidence that the Board has placed in us. Messe Düsseldorf India has been witnessing an impressive growth trajectory lately and we intend to continue that record of performance with successful trade shows."

Ajay Gulati emphasizes: "I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Messe Düsseldorf India along with Millie. The company has been performing exceptionally well under the competent leadership of Mr. Schlitt, and we'll build on this success as we enter our next chapter."

Wolfram N. Diener wishes the new management and the entire team of Messe Düsseldorf India much success: "Millie and Ajay are committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Thomas and leading the company to new heights of achievement, innovation, and excellence. I look forward to working closely with Millie and Ajay to provide our customers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Düsseldorf, and around the globe with the best business platforms."

Media Contact:

Dr. Andrea Gränzdörffer
Director Corporate Communications / Spokesperson
Phone: +49 (0) 211/4560-555
Email: GraenzdoerfferA@messe-duesseldorf.de

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Messe Düsseldorf Group
Messe Düsseldorf is among the most successful trade fair companies worldwide. It hosts around 40 trade fairs including 20 leading international trade fairs at its 613,000 m² exhibition center. In the 18 halls the international market leaders and top decision-makers of various sectors get together every year in order to present and discover innovations, to exchange and network. The sectors of expertise of Messe Düsseldorf include: “Machinery, Plants and Equipment” including metallurgy and foundry technologies (inter alia drupa, K, interpack, glasstec, wire and Tube); “Retail, Trades and Services” (EuroShop, EuroCIS, ProWein); “Health and Medical Technology” (MEDICA, COMPAMED, REHACARE, A+A); “Lifestyle and Beauty” (BEAUTY, TOP HAIR); “Leisure” (boot, CARAVAN SALON) as well as "Mobility" (XPONENTIAL, Flotte!). Add to this numerous conventions, corporate events, conferences and meetings by its subsidiary Düsseldorf Congress. Abroad, Messe Düsseldorf organizes more than 70 events. The global network of the group of companies encompasses 77 foreign representatives for 142 countries – including 7 international subsidiaries.
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