jwc GmbH, a global leader in consulting for the exhibition and conference industry, has announced a significant evolution in its leadership structure aimed at strengthening long-term strategy, continuity, and service excellence.
The company has appointed Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt, both highly respected executives within the global events sector, as its new Managing Partners. Their extensive experience and deep understanding of the international business events ecosystem are expected to further enhance jwc’s capabilities and global footprint.
Company founder and current CEO Jochen Witt will transition into the role of Executive Chairman, where he will continue to guide the firm’s strategic direction. Dr. Gerd Weber, currently serving as COO, will assume the position of CEO, ensuring operational consistency and the continued delivery of jwc’s renowned consulting excellence.
Reflecting on the transition, Jochen Witt expressed pride in jwc’s journey and confidence in the incoming leadership:
“After many successful years leading jwc, I look forward to supporting the company as Chairman. With Gerd Weber in a key leadership role and Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt joining the management team, jwc is well positioned to continue delivering strategic excellence to clients worldwide.”
Incoming CEO Dr. Weber emphasized that the transition blends stability with fresh perspectives:
“This evolution ensures continuity while introducing new ideas. Our clients can continue to rely on the dedication, reliability, and quality that define jwc. These changes mark an important step in strengthening the firm’s independence and long-term commitment to the exhibition and conference industry.”
In a joint statement, Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt commented:
“jwc offers an exciting environment to apply our experience as entrepreneurs for the benefit of clients and the wider ecosystem. As business events, media, and associations evolve rapidly, we look forward to helping clients navigate emerging opportunities.”
The new leadership structure will take effect in January 2026.
About jwc GmbH
Founded in 2007, jwc GmbH is a global leading consulting firm serving the exhibition and conference industry. With offices in Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, China, and Saudi Arabia, and a client base across more than 30 countries, jwc provides strategic, operational, and digital transformation consulting to venues, organisers, service providers, governments, private equity firms, and associations.
About Kai Hattendorf
Kai Hattendorf is widely recognised as a leading voice in the global business events and exhibition industry. Over a distinguished career, including a decade as CEO of UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – he has championed transformation, innovation, and advocacy across the sector.
As Chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), he led key initiatives in partnership with organisations such as UNFCCC, OECD, and ISO, including the global “Net Zero Carbon Events” initiative. His contributions have earned him multiple international awards and distinctions.
About Sebastian Witt
Sebastian Witt serves as Director and Senior Consultant at jwc GmbH. His expertise spans the entire industry value chain, supporting governments, venues, organisers, and private equity firms with strategic insights. His focus areas include venue efficiency, performance monitoring, and service strategy development.
Before entering the exhibition sector, he held leadership roles in the financial services industry, managing sales operations. In addition to his role at jwc, he also chairs the Industry Partners Working Group at UFI, contributing to industry-wide collaboration and best practice development.
