Katharina Engling is the new chairwoman of the Interzoo Advisory Committee.She succeeds Hans-Jochen Büngener, who is passing on the baton after 31 yearsof service.

“Interzoo is the world’s leading international trade fair for pet supplies.Naturally, the objective of all stakeholders is to ensure that we continue toplay this role in the future”, says the new chairwoman of the InterzooAdvisory Committee, Katharina Engling. This involves sharing and discussingdifferent perspectives, experiences and ideas and putting them into practiceto make sure that Interzoo continues to thrive. Having previously served onthe Advisory Committee, the 47-year-old has now been appointed chairwoman bythe Board of the ZZF (German Pet Trade and Industry Association), the honorarysponsor of Interzoo. “We are delighted that Ms Engling has taken on this role.As a long-standing senior executive at pet food company Bunny Tierernährung,she is an absolute expert on our industry nationally and internationally”,says ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich. “She also brings a lot of experiencein trade fair work with her, not just as an exhibitor at Interzoo, but also inthe B2B and B2C segments.”

Bitten by the “Interzoo bug” since 1994

Katharina Engling has carrying the flag for small mammals for 25 years. As asenior executive at Bunny Tierernährung GmbH she is responsible for marketingand R&D. “I have more or less had the ‘Interzoo bug’ since 1994.” That waswhen I started in the industry that immediately captivated me”, she recalls.“Interzoo brings together representatives of the pet sector from all over theworld.” It provides a platform for professional dialogue and a showcase forthe latest innovations and visions. “Every two years it is the highlight ofthe pet industry calendar for exhibitors and trade visitors alike. You simplycannot miss it!” says Engling. She considers it a personal honour to be partof the continuing development of Interzoo.

Trade fair advisory committee gets Interzoo customers on board

The Advisory Committee, consisting of Interzoo exhibitors and trade visitors,supports the full-time staff of Interzoo organizer WZF(Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH) with the strategicplanning and ongoing development of the event. The committee facilitatesdiscussions between WZF and industry experts on important topics associatedwith the trade fair, such as the challenges facing the pet industry and newideas for Interzoo. “From the very outset, WZF felt it was important to getour customers involved”, says WZF Managing Director Alexandra Facklamm. “Thismeans that we maintain a constant dialogue with our target group. Because onlyif we know what matters to our customers can we make improvements in thisdynamic market. This means that we are organising Interzoo not just for butwith the pet industry,” she says.

Thanks extended to acting director

Alongside Katharina Engling the Interzoo Advisory Committee includes thefollowing members: Roland Böhme, JBL GmbH & Co. KG; Annette Burda, Burda’sTierwelt GmbH; Stephan Fumy, Zoofachhandel Fumy GmbH; Lars Larsen, Juwel-Aquarium GmbH & Co. KG; Jörg Lefers, Allco Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG; AxelPinders, Dohse Aquaristik GmbH & Co. KG and Nadine Trautwein, HunterInternational GmbH.

ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich took the occasion of Katharina Engling’sappointment to thank Dr Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at WZF, for heradditional commitment to the work of the Advisory Committee. Following thedeparture of Hans-Jochen Büngener she had successfully headed the committee astemporary chairwoman until the appointment of a new representative from theindustry.

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