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Stephanie Wagner has been named global director of LIGNA, expanding her leadership responsibilities as the international woodworking and wood processing trade fair becomes an independent division within the organization.
Wagner assumed the newly created position Aug. 1 and now leads the LIGNA division within Deutsche Messe's new Trade and Consumer Fairs business unit. She reports to Hendrik Rawe, senior vice president of the business unit.
The organizational change elevates LIGNA to its own division within Deutsche Messe, reflecting the show's international reach and strategic importance to the woodworking, panel production and manufacturing technology industries.
"The independent divisional structure reflects LIGNA's importance and international orientation while also establishing clear responsibilities for its continued strategic and operational development," Rawe said.
Wagner brings two decades of trade show experience to the expanded role. She joined Deutsche Messe in 2006 as a project manager for BIOTECHNICA before moving to LIGNA in 2011. She became head of LIGNA in 2021, overseeing the event and providing professional leadership for its team.
As global director, Wagner will retain those responsibilities while adding direct management of the LIGNA team.
Rawe cited Wagner's industry relationships, strategic and operational experience, and extensive knowledge of LIGNA as key factors in her appointment.
The leadership change comes as preparations continue for LIGNA 2027, scheduled for May 10-14, 2027, in Hanover. Held every two years and jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, LIGNA is a major global showcase for technologies serving both primary and secondary wood processing.
For the surface and panel industry, the show encompasses many of the technologies shaping modern manufacturing, including wood-based panel production, surface technology, machinery and systems for custom and mass production, automation, machine components, sawmill technology and wood energy.
The 2027 event will be the first LIGNA held under the trade show's new independent divisional structure and Wagner's expanded global leadership.
