Messe Frankfurt has named Vivien Altmann-Morelli as the new director of IFFA, marking a leadership transition at one of the world’s industry gatherings for meat and alternative protein technologies.
She will assume the role on May 1, 2026, overseeing both the flagship event in Frankfurt and a broader international portfolio within the Food Technologies sector.
Ms. Altmann-Morelli will be responsible not only for IFFA, whose next edition is scheduled for May 13–18, 2028, but also for a group of four related trade fairs held outside Germany under the Food Technologies brand. In addition, she will take on brand management duties for the Textile Care & Cleaning Technologies segment, including Texcare International.
In her new position, she will report to Kerstin Horaczek, vice president of technology shows at Messe Frankfurt. The appointment reflects the organization’s effort to align leadership across its technology-focused exhibitions while reinforcing continuity in its flagship events.
“IFFA is the leading international trade fair for a highly dynamic industry and provides impetus for the global meat and protein sector. With its long tradition, it stands for both continuity and further development. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of this special global network and actively shaping the future of the industry together with our partners and customers,” Ms. Altmann-Morelli said.
A graduate in business administration with a focus on sales and event marketing, Ms. Altmann-Morelli joined Messe Frankfurt in 2019. She began as a sales manager in the guest events division before being promoted to guest events coordinator in 2023, where she managed a range of cross-functional projects. She has also been involved in the company’s sustainability management efforts, contributing to the strategic development of its environmental initiatives.
She succeeds Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, who has led IFFA since 2016 and is set to depart for VDMA, where he will become managing director overseeing divisions focused on food processing and packaging machinery, as well as process plant and equipment.
Find out more at: https://www.iffa.com