Change at jwc GmbH: Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt Appointed Managing Partners; Founder Jochen Witt Transitions to Executive Chairman
jwc GmbH, a leading global consulting firm for the exhibition and conference industry, has announced an update to its management structure, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuity, quality, and client success.
Kai Hattendorf
The company has welcomed Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt, both highly experienced executives within the global exhibitions and conferences sector, as its new Managing Partners.
Hattendorf, well known as a long-time friend and supporter of the Australian exhibition industry, brings deep international insight and longstanding relationships across the global events community.
Together, Hattendorf and Witt are expected to further strengthen and expand jwc’s expertise and global reach.
Company founder and current CEO Jochen Witt will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. Dr. Gerd Weber, currently serving as COO, will step into the CEO position, ensuring operational consistency and the continued delivery of jwc’s respected, high-quality consulting services.
“After many successful years leading jwc as CEO, I am proud to hand over the leadership while continuing to guide the company as Chairman,” says Jochen Witt. “With Gerd Weber continuing in a key role and Kai Hattendorf and Sebastian Witt joining our leadership team, we are ideally positioned to continue delivering first-class services and strategic excellence to our clients around the world.”
Gerd Weber said: “This leadership evolution combines continuity with new perspectives. Our clients can count on the same dedication, reliability, and quality they have come to expect from jwc. These strategic changes mark an important milestone in jwc’s ongoing development, ensuring the firm’s independence, strength, and long-term commitment to the exhibition and conference industry.”
Sebastian Witt
Kai Hattendorf adds: “jwc is a great place to work as entrepreneurs and to apply what we have learned in this industry in various roles for the benefit of our clients and the wider ecosystem. As business events, media, and associations evolve ever faster, we look forward to working for our clients to see and use the opportunities ahead.”
The new management structure will take effect in January 2026.
For more information about jwc, visit their website HERE
About jwc
Founded in 2007, jwc GmbH is the global leading consulting firm for the exhibition and conference industry. With offices in Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, China, and Saudi Arabia, and clients spanning more than 30 countries, jwc provides strategic, operational, and digital transformation consulting services to venues, organisers, service providers, governments, private equity firms, and associations worldwide.
About Kai Hattendorf
Kai Hattendorf is one of the most experienced thought leaders in the global business events and exhibition sector, building on a decades-long legacy of transformation and innovation work with organisers, venues, and industry associations.
During his ten years as CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, he spearheaded numerous initiatives and projects aimed at developing the sector, increasing public awareness, and expanding the industry’s reach and influence.
As Chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a global council comprising international and global associations serving the Business Events Industry, he championed advocacy efforts. He collaborated with global organisations like the UNFCCC, OECD, and ISO to establish initiatives such as “Net Zero Carbon Events.”
Kai’s contributions to the events industry have been recognised through numerous awards and accolades worldwide.
About Sebastian Witt
Sebastian Witt is a Director and Senior Consultant at jwc GmbH. With extensive experience across the entire industry value chain, Sebastian has supported governments, venues, organizers, and private equity firms by providing strategic insights and expertise. In addition, his focus areas include venue efficiency, performance monitoring, and service strategy development.
Prior to joining the exhibition industry, Sebastian was active in the financial services industry, where he was responsible for the management of the sales division.
In addition to his role at jwc, Sebastian chairs the Industry Partners Working Group at UFI, where he contributes to shaping industry best practices and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
