Astrid Böhmisch becomes the new director of the Leipzig Book Fair

Astrid Böhmisch (49) will be the new Director of the Leipzig Book Fair. She will take over from Oliver Zille on January 1 next year, as the Leipzig Book Fair announced on Monday. The German and English studies graduate works in Berlin as a consultant for media companies and was responsible for the German-speaking markets of Bookwire GmbH with a wide range of publishing clients for the digital book business as General Manager until 2022.

"Under her leadership, the Leipzig Book Fair will continue to develop strategically and in terms of content and strengthen its position as an outstanding international cultural event," said Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe. Zille had shaped the Leipzig Book Fair for 30 years and surprisingly announced his resignation at the end of the year in June. He had been in charge of Germany's second-largest book fair since 1991.

Last year, the Leipzig Book Fair had a hard time due to the coronavirus pandemic. It had to be canceled three times in a row. This spring, it celebrated a comeback - almost back to its former strength. According to the fair, 274,000 visitors attended. At the last edition before corona, there were 286,000. The next Leipzig Book Fair will be held from 21 to 24 March 2024.

Taking over the reins of the Leipzig Book Fair is a great honor and an exciting challenge, said Böhmisch. "I am looking forward to shaping the unique combination of the Leipzig Book Fair, Leipzig Reads and Manga-Comic-Con together with all those involved and leading it into the future."

The trade fair boss thanked Oliver Zille for his great commitment during his 33 years in office. "Without his tireless work, the Leipzig Book Fair would not occupy the outstanding position it holds today in the international cultural calendar," emphasized Buhl-Wagner.