Kirstin Deutelmoser, who has been project director for the GDS show in Düsseldorf, Germany, since October 2005 and for global shoes & accessories, (launched in March 2006), has also been named project director for GLS – International Event for Leather Goods & More. The previous director, Armin Stader, has retired.

Commenting on Ms Deutelmoser’s appointment, divisional director responsible for GDS/GLS, Frank Hartmann, said,  "With Kirstin Deutelmoser we have a successor on board who will further develop both themes. She has already demonstrated her skills with GDS." He added, “The industry had clearly expressed a desire to further integrate the two trade fairs GDS and GLS and to incorporate the leather fair into the hall layout of the shoe fair. The integrated concept worked very well in the September and March fairs and by consolidating the project management, the potential of GDS/GLS can be even better utilised”.