Sports Business/01/21/2025

Thank you, Mr. ISPO! Tobias Gröber leaves Messe München

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"ISPO - it's not a job, it's a way of life." Tobias Gröber has not only shaped his own work with this slogan, but has also played a lasting role in shaping the sports and outdoor industry. As head of the consumer goods trade show division at Messe München, he was the source of ideas, impetus and facilitation for over 28 years - always alongside a dedicated team that is now driving the transformation forward under the leadership of Lena Haushofer. Now it's time for a new path: Gröber will be leaving Messe München at the end of April 2025 to take on a new, exciting challenge in the trade show industry.

Author: ISPO.com

From Bayreuth to the top of the ISPO Group

His career at Messe München reads like a textbook for success stories: in 1997, fresh from studying sports economics in Bayreuth, he started as an intern at ISPO. For Gröber, it was more than just a first job - it was the start of a lifelong passion. The "sports virus" took hold of him and never let go.

As early as 1999, he took on responsibility as a project manager and quickly proved his flair for innovative concepts and his ability to inspire people. In 2004, he was then appointed Division Manager for Consumer Goods Fairs and thus also took over the management of the renowned INHORGENTA MUNICH. In 2020, Gröber finally rose to the top of the trade fair world when he also took over the international ISPO Group with its events in China and OutDoor.

Tobias Gröber himself takes stock with pride:

"After 28 years at Messe München full of challenges, successes and experiences, it is time for me to open a new chapter and take the next step in my professional career in the trade show industry. I look back on my time at Messe München with great gratitude and at the same time look forward to the exciting tasks that lie ahead of me. Over the past decades, I have been able to work with a highly motivated and committed team and with great people in my consumer goods sectors. That makes me grateful and proud."

Tobias Gröber

Here he is at the beginning of his career, now he looks back on a 28-year career at Messe München
Image credit:
Messe München GmbH

Strong succession ensures continuity

The future of the ISPO Group at home and abroad is in the best hands: Lena Haushofer, Exhibition Director, is taking over responsibility with a first-class team. At her side are Christoph Rapp (Head of Sales & Marketing) and Saskia Rettenbacher (Head of Event Management). Their vision? To continue the success story and reach new heights. Their direct reporting line is to Harald Kirchschlager, Executive Director Corporate Strategy. INHORGENTA MUNICH will remain in Stefanie Mändlein's proven hands, and Christine von Breitenbuch will continue to manage IAA MOBILITY. The message is clear: continuity in the cooperation with customers is guaranteed at all times and top top performance is guaranteed.

Lena Haushofer and Tobias Gröber at the 2024 Olympic Games
Image credit:
Messe München GmbH

"We would like to thank Tobias Gröber for his extraordinary commitment, which he has shown from day one at Messe München and with which he has contributed to the success of our company. Tobias Gröber has managed his trade shows creatively, with innovative concepts and with great industry knowledge in both good and difficult times, and has inspired people for them."

According to the two Munich trade fair bosses Stefan Rummel and Reinhard Pfeiffer

Thank you, Mr. ISPO, for the safe game management!
Image credit:
Messe München GmbH

Author: ISPO.com

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