iba announces leadership changes

BACK TO ALL NEWS

iba announces leadership changes

17 Sep 2025

Mari Rydings

Mari Rydings is a versatile content creator, editor and marketer with experience developing dynamic, results-driven materials for B2B and B2C audiences. As the editorial director for Avant Food Media, she leads the day-to-day editorial operations for the company’s print and digital magazines, newsletters and social media platforms. Outside of work, she loves reading, hiking, putting together jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her husband and their twin daughters.

MUNICH — GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH announced Florian Gmeinwieser as the new director of iba, the world’s largest trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry. He succeeds Susann Seidemann, who will transition to the role of chief sales officer for GHM.

Gmeinwieser has more than 20 years of experience in B2B strategy development and consulting with German and international companies. His expertise in business development, digital marketing and digital strategies, along with his deep understanding of the challenges facing the baking industry, will help further develop the iba experience for bakers of all sizes.

“Combining artisan bakery with innovative technologies and sustainable solutions is a key trend for the future, and one that I want to continue promoting at iba,” Gmeinwieser said. “I am looking forward to working with the baking industry and the German Bakers’ Confederation. iba is the stage for the entire national and international baking industry. My focus is on the continuous development of iba in order to better equip market participants for the future of baking.”

Ahead of iba 2027, set for Oct. 24-27 in Munich, Gmeinwieser will focus on the major trends impacting both wholesale and artisan bakers, including digitalization, sustainability and the shortage of skilled workers.

“We must ensure iba remains the forum that connects both worlds: artisan bakers and industrial companies.” — Florian Gmeinwieser | director | iba

“We must ensure iba remains the forum that connects both worlds: artisan bakers and industrial companies,” he said. “It is crucial that we create spaces where technology providers, start-ups and practitioners can learn from each other. In this way, we ensure that innovations not only reach the big players but also provide impetus and concrete help for small and medium-sized craft businesses.”

The iba team works closely with the German Bakers’ Confederation, which owns the international trade fair.

“Susann Seidemann has contributed significantly to the success of iba in recent years,” said Roland Ermer, president of the German Bakers’ Confederation. “Our team thanks her for her collaboration, and at the same time, we are looking forward to welcoming her successor, Florian Gmeinwieser. With him, GHM has gained an experienced strategist who knows how to bring national and international customers together. We look forward to working with him and to the next iba in 2027.”

Advertisement

BACK TO ALL NEWS