Koelnmesse parts ways with COO Katharina C. Hamma

Koelnmesse, the organizer of the now-annual Photokina exhibition, announced the dismissal of COO Katharina C. Hamma, who has acted as the face of the organization for many years:

In light of differing views on the future strategic direction of the company, the Supervisory Board of Koelnmesse decided on 16 November 2018, to terminate the working relationship with Chief Operating Officer Katharina C. Hamma (52) with immediate effect.

Until further notice, Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse will assume Ms. Hamma’s previous responsibilities.
Katharina C. Hamma, previously an authorized signatory at Messe München, was appointed to the management board of Koelnmesse in 2011 to fill the newly created COO position.

World of Photo reports, “As early as November 7, the Cologne Newspaper Kölner Stadtanzeiger had reported on disagreements in the management of Koelnmesse, which had affected the relationship between Böse and CFO Herbert Marner on the one hand and Hamma on the other. Since Hamma, whose contract provides for an employment until 2021, did not agree to the Supervisory Board’ desire for a mutually agreed termination, the Board had appointed the management and some members of the Supervisory Board to negotiate an agreement to avoid the unilateral termination of Hamma’s contract by Koelnmesse…Hamma, who holds a diploma as an Engineer, was appointed to the management of Koelnmesse in 2011.”