Frankfurt Book Fair's new chief will listen first, plan in spring

Joachim Kaufmann takes over the Frankfurt Book Fair on 1 November, succeeding Juergen Boos after more than 20 years in charge.

Kaufmann laid out his start in conversation with Publishing Perspectives editor-in-chief Andrew Albanese on Friday during the Publishing Perspectives Forum. The fair was in a healthy state, he said. His first order of business would be to listen.

That means no grand plan yet. Kaufmann said target-setting and a formal plan will wait until spring, after around 40 staff interviews, Publishing Perspectives reported.

The numbers explain the caution. Kaufmann said the Frankfurt Book Fair event itself generates 80% of the company's business. Frankfurter Buchmesse is the organisation behind the fair, the annual gathering in Frankfurt, Germany, where publishers buy and sell rights across markets.

The handover has been phased. Kaufmann joined the organisation on 1 September, but Boos kept full responsibility through the transition period. The 2026 fair is Boos's last before Kaufmann takes the leadership, according to Publishers Weekly.

Kaufmann arrives with the title President and CEO, Frankfurter Buchmesse confirmed. He is 53. He took over as chief executive of Carlsen Verlag in 2006. Carlsen is a German publisher and a subsidiary of the Swedish Bonnier Group.

For readers, this means continuity first. No new direction was announced. The new chief wants staff conversations before strategy.

What makes this stand out is the tone. No promises. Just interviews, listening and a plan in spring.