End of an Era at VDMA: “A Significant Moment for the Association”

A Generational Transition: Shaping the Future of the Industry. After more than three decades of shaping the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, Richard Clemens is passing the baton to Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim. In the first part of our joint interview, they reflect on the transition process, share defining experiences from their careers, and discuss what it takes to successfully guide the association and the industry into the future.

Richard Clemens: It was important to me that the transition be well planned and orderly, with sufficient time for onboarding and knowledge transfer. We have achieved exactly that. I am very pleased that Johannes has been chosen as my successor. Not only does he know the industry extremely well and already have a strong network, but we also share a long-standing and trusting professional relationship. I am glad to be able to hand over the association to such capable hands. As a result, I am experiencing this transition as smooth and seamless.

Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim: This is a significant moment for the association. Richard Clemens has been with VDMA for 33 years and assumed leadership of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association shortly thereafter. During that time, he successfully guided the association through major transformations, from globalization to digitalization. At the same time, we are once again facing profound change. Artificial intelligence, new geopolitical realities, and shifting market dynamics will have a major impact on our industry. One thing is certain: it will not be boring. I am experiencing the transition as highly constructive and built on mutual trust. We spend a great deal of time together in meetings and in long conversations – sometimes about the past, but mostly about the future. That is precisely what makes this phase so valuable: it is not simply a formal handover, but an exchange of experience, perspective, and shared thinking about the road ahead.

Clemens: Johannes is someone who thinks strategically and with a long-term perspective. He immerses himself in new topics remarkably quickly and thoroughly – and always with genuine passion and commitment. I also greatly appreciate the friendly and straightforward way we work together. So, above all, I will take away a very positive feeling from this experience.

Schmid-Wiedersheim: What I particularly appreciate about Richard is his strong strategic mindset and his enduring enthusiasm for the industry. He always thinks beyond the immediate issue at hand: his focus is never solely on the next decision, but also on what will benefit companies and the industry in the long run. He is also a true relationship-builder. Looking at some of his connections from the outside, it is sometimes difficult to tell whether “business partner” or “friend” is the more appropriate description – many of these relationships are built on exceptional trust and closeness. That is immensely valuable for an association.

Finally, Richard is a master of concise yet impactful communication: few words, always straight to the point. Both of these qualities – his reliability and commitment in relationships, and his precision in communication – I find deeply impressive and inspiring.

Schmid-Wiedersheim: What appeals to me most about this role is its broader scope and greater potential for impact. The food processing and packaging machinery industry represents cutting-edge technology and boasts a strong export orientation. This is a sign of considerable strength, but it also comes with a responsibility to secure this position for the future. In Germany alone, the sector directly supports more than 60,000 jobs and generates production output worth around €17 billion.

From a day-to-day perspective, much of my experience in the international trade fair environment is highly transferable. At the same time, there are new areas of focus, such as research funding, standardization, and representing the industry's interests vis-à-vis policymakers and society. These aspects, in particular, make the role especially exciting for me.

The timing also felt right because over the past ten years I have been able to develop my area of responsibility at Messe Frankfurt very successfully, both strategically and in terms of business performance. Most recently, the challenge was to guide our trade fairs back onto a successful path after the pandemic – a goal we achieved. Having accomplished that, it felt like the right moment to embark on a new chapter.

Schmid-Wiedersheim: What has impressed me most is the depth of expertise that exists here at so many different levels. I have worked with the association in various capacities for around 20 years and was already familiar with the VDMA’s capabilities. Even so, I underestimated just how deep this reservoir of knowledge is. VDMA enables its employees to become true experts in clearly defined fields, whether in technology, regulations, specific markets, safety, or sustainability. This expertise is a major benefit to member companies. Rather than having to build up all this knowledge themselves or purchase it externally, they can turn to the association for guidance and support. That is why my top priority was to gain a detailed understanding of my team’s work: their areas of expertise, their networks, and their perspective on the industry. Equally important, of course, was establishing direct contact with our member companies. During my first few months, I spoke with and visited a great many CEOs and businesses to learn firsthand about their challenges and their expectations of the association.

Schmid-Wiedersheim: In my view, the association’s foremost responsibility is to provide its members with services and expertise that are relevant, up to date, and genuinely valuable. As I mentioned, the breadth of topics we cover and the depth of expertise we offer are remarkable. At the same time, I believe we can make this knowledge even more transparent and accessible by embracing digitalization, experimenting with new formats, and focusing even more closely on the day-to-day needs of our member companies. Secondly, fostering exchange among members is a priority for me – whether at events, in thematic working groups, or at trade fairs such as interpack. Trust is built through personal interaction, and it is often in these conversations that new ideas emerge and concrete projects take shape. I would like to strengthen these opportunities for connection and collaboration even further.

Finally, I want to bring an even stronger international perspective to our work. I believe that many issues are still viewed too much through a local lens. However, if we want to remain at the forefront of global competition, we must deepen European cooperation, adapt more effectively to markets around the world, and be willing to learn from the best whenever another region leads in a particular area. This openness is not a sign of weakness – it is a prerequisite for maintaining long-term strength and competitiveness.

Clemens: I would wish my successor two things above all: curiosity and optimism. Our industry is facing significant challenges, but those challenges also bring tremendous opportunities. It is important to remain curious, stay open to new ideas, and keep a close ear to the market. If he succeeds in fostering innovation and supporting our member companies on their journey toward greater competitiveness, then a great deal will have been achieved. For that, I wish him good judgment, perseverance, and, of course, every success in the role.

Stay tuned for Part 2.