Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati succeed Thomas Schlitt
Generational change in the management of Messe Düsseldorf India (MDI): After nine years, the outgoing Managing Director Thomas Schlitt bids farewell to the Indian subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf headquartered in New Delhi. Effective April 1, 2024, Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati will take up his position. They aim to build upon the successes of their predecessor, which they have already contributed to as part of the MDI team in recent years. Their goal is to further enhance the strong market position of Messe Düsseldorf in the currently fastest-growing economy – in the interest of its customers, partners and shareholders.
Thomas Schlitt has significantly shaped the past nine years of Messe Düsseldorf India as Managing Director, leading the company through a period of remarkable growth. During this time, he and his team established strategic partnerships and expanded the portfolio of the Indian subsidiary with strong new events. These include glasspro INDIA for the glass industry, ProWine Mumbai for the growing market of wines and spirits, Valve World Expo India for industrial valves and valve accessories, In-Store Asia for retail design, and the FAMDENT Shows and Awards focusing on clinical dentistry.
Success Story of MDI
Messe Düsseldorf India provides both local and international companies with relevant industry platforms to participate in India’s rapid growth: India is projected to lead the growth of the top 10 economies until 2026, with an annual growth rate of six to seven 2 percent. Simultaneously, exhibitions in this key market serve as attractive showcases for the global exhibition hub of Düsseldorf/North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). Over the past ten years (2014 to 2023), 115,351 visitors from India attended the worldleading trade fairs in Düsseldorf, making India the second-largest visitor nation outside Europe. Additionally, 3,222 exhibiting companies occupied 90,997 square meters of exhibition space, ranking 4th and 3rd respectively outside Europe.
Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, expresses gratitude to Thomas Schlitt: “Thomas has made numerous contributions to the growth and success of Messe Düsseldorf India – and thus, to the Messe Düsseldorf Group as a whole – with his dedication, strategic foresight, and leadership qualities. His spirit will continue to inspire and motivate the team as the company embarks on the next chapter of its journey.”
Handover of the Baton
As of April 1, 2024, Millie Arthur Contractor and Ajay Kumar Gulati will take over as new General Managers of Messe Düsseldorf India. Both have been active in the company previously – Millie Contractor has been driving operational growth as Director Sales since 2016, while Ajay Gulati joined a year later as Director Finance & Company Secretary. They actively contributed to the success of previous years and will continue the growth trajectory. Thomas Schlitt sees the future of Messe Düsseldorf India in capable hands: “Millie and Ajay are talented and experienced Executives who have driven our business, strategy and operations. Their Leadership, combined with our talented Team and unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional value to our exhibitors, visitors and partners alike, will ensure Messe Düsseldorf India’s continued growth in the years ahead. I am pleased that our Board appreciated my recommendation to place the management of the Company in their hands.”
Ready to Launch
Millie Contractor expresses enthusiasm for this transition: “I greatly appreciate the confidence that the Board has placed in us. Messe Düsseldorf India has been witnessing an impressive growth trajectory lately and we intend to continue that record of performance with successful trade shows.” Ajay Gulati emphasizes: “I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Messe Düsseldorf India along with Millie. The company has been performing exceptionally well under the competent leadership of Mr. Schlitt, and we’ll build on this success as we enter our next chapter.”
Wolfram N. Diener wishes the new management and the entire team of Messe Düsseldorf India much success: “Millie and Ajay are committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Thomas and leading the company to new heights of achievement, innovation, and excellence. I look forward to working closely with Millie and Ajay to provide our customers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Düsseldorf, and around the globe with the best business platforms.”
