Change at the Top of the Frankfurt Book Fair - Frankfurt Book Fair names Joachim Kaufmann as its next director in 2026
The Frankfurt Book Fair has appointed Joachim Kaufmann as its new leader. The 53-year-old will take over from Jürgen Boos, who is retiring after two decades in charge. Kaufmann's arrival is set to bring fresh energy while keeping the fair's long-standing traditions intact.
Jürgen Boos will step down at the end of the 2026 Frankfurt Book Fair, closing a 20-year chapter as its director. Until then, he remains fully responsible for organizing this year's event. His successor, Joachim Kaufmann, will officially join the organization on September 1, 2026, before formally taking the helm on January 27, 2026.
Kaufmann brings extensive experience from his role as managing director of Carlsen Verlag, where he led the publisher's growth into new markets. Under his leadership, the company expanded its presence in Poland and China. The Frankfurt Book Fair sees him as the right choice to modernize the event while preserving its core values. The fair's leadership has described Kaufmann as the ideal person to build on Boos's legacy. His appointment aims to ensure a smooth transition and secure the event's future in a changing industry.
Kaufmann's leadership will begin after Boos's final Frankfurt Book Fair in 2026. The new director's background in publishing and international expansion is expected to shape the fair's direction. His role will start with a handover period before he fully assumes control in early 2026.
