IN BREVE
- Starting October 15, 2025, Frank Schindler will become the new Director of ProWein Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for wines and spirits.
- Schindler will be responsible for ProWein and the new ProSpirits section, as well as six international trade fairs within the ProWein World network.
- He will also be tasked with strengthening global strategic positioning and international marketing activities.
- His career includes significant roles at the Esterhazy winery and Vinum Weinhandel GmbH, backed by a solid academic background.
- Schindler is excited to work with a motivated team to further develop ProWein’s role as a leading trade fair.
ProWein Düsseldorf announces a change in leadership. From October 15, 2025, the management of the world’s most important trade fair for wines and spirits will pass to Frank Schindler, 50. Schindler will lead the Düsseldorf team and will be responsible not only for ProWein and the new ProSpirits section, but also for the six international trade fairs of the ProWein World network in Asia and South America.
In this new position, he will also be responsible for strengthening global strategic positioning and international marketing activities. Operationally, Schindler will work within the division of Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, reporting directly to Michael Degen, Executive Director Trade Fairs. ProWein Düsseldorf 2026 is scheduled for March 15 to 17 and will be Schindler’s first public appearance.
STATEMENT FROM MESSE DÜSSELDORF
“In Frank Schindler,” comments Marius Berlemann, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, “we have a very well-connected expert from the international wine and spirits world leading ProWein Düsseldorf. Embodying energy and a creative spirit, he is the right person to guide the fair into its next phase. Now that we are strategically realigning the project and ambitiously developing the brand, he is the man capable of translating this momentum into concrete success.”
WHO IS FRANK SCHINDLER
Schindler boasts an international career in the sector. He served as Managing Director of the historic Esterhazy winery in Burgenland and Vinum Weinhandel GmbH in South Tyrol. This path has allowed him to develop strategic skills, a global network of contacts, and solid managerial experience.
His academic background—including WSET certifications and a Master’s in International Wine Marketing—is paired with a deep knowledge of the wine and spirits market.
STATEMENTS FROM THE NEW DIRECTOR
Frank Schindler is enthusiastic about his new role: “With its mix of internationality, professionalism, and innovative capacity,” he comments, “ProWein is unique in the world of wine and spirits. I am therefore delighted to work with a close-knit and motivated team to continue the renewal process already started by ProWein Düsseldorf and its satellite fairs. We will take bold steps, guided by the specific needs of the industry, to further develop ProWein’s role as a leading trade fair.”
