Astrid Böhmisch becomes the new director – BuchMarkt

Astrid Bohemian will take over responsibility for the Leipzig Book Fair on January 1, 2024. She succeeds as director Oliver Zille, who will step down from office at the end of the year. Oliver Zille was the face of the Leipzig Book Fair for more than 30 years, but he unexpectedly resigned from his position in the summer.

Astrid Böhmisch brings many years of extensive experience in the book and media industry. The studied German and English studies major works as a business consultant for media companies in Berlin and was responsible for the German-speaking markets of Bookwire GmbH with a wide range of publishing customers for the digital book business as general manager until 2022. Before that, she was responsible for marketing for Piper Verlag and all imprints for over four years. From 2006 to 2015 she was responsible for marketing at Senator Entertainment in various positions, most recently as Executive Vice President Marketing & Publicity.

Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of the Leipziger Messe: “Astrid Böhmisch has excellent expertise and the best contacts in the literary world and in the publishing and media industry. She is also very knowledgeable about the trade fair and project business. 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. I’m really looking forward to working together.”

Astrid Böhmisch: “Taking charge of the Leipzig Book Fair is a great honor and exciting challenge for me. For all publishers, literary creators and reading enthusiasts, it is an absolute highlight of the year. I look forward to shaping the unique connection between the Leipzig Book Fair, Leipzig reads and Manga-Comic-Con together with everyone involved and leading it into the future.”

Martin Buhl-Wagner would like to thank Oliver Zille for his great commitment over his 33 years in office. “Without his tireless work, the Leipzig Book Fair would not have the outstanding position it holds today in the international cultural calendar. Oliver Zille and I have worked closely and successfully together over the years. I wish him all the best for the future.”