News DeskBerlin: Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH has appointed Dr Jürgen Amann as its new managing director for destination marketing and commercial affairs, marking a leadership transition at the city’s official tourism organisation.
Amann, 53, will assume the role on June 1, 2026, succeeding long-serving chief executive Burkhard Kieker, who will step down upon reaching the statutory age limit when his contract expires in the summer of 2026. The appointment follows a competitive selection process that attracted more than 100 candidates.
Currently the chief executive of KölnTourismus GmbH, a position he has held since February 2020, Amann brings extensive experience in urban tourism strategy and destination marketing. A doctor of economic geography, he has previously held senior roles in Ingolstadt and Dresden before moving to Cologne. He was born in Upper Bavaria.
Oliver Schumacher, chairman of the supervisory board of Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH, said Amann’s appointment would strengthen the organisation’s leadership at a pivotal moment for the city’s tourism sector.
“With Jürgen Amann, we have secured a proven tourism professional,” Schumacher said. “Together with our second managing director, Sabine Wendt, he will form a strong leadership team to further promote Berlin as one of the world’s leading destinations. Key priorities include consistent digitalisation and increasing our own revenue streams.”
Amann said Berlin’s global profile and cultural dynamism made the role particularly compelling.
“Berlin is one of the most exciting metropolitan destinations in the world,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to working with Sabine Wendt and the entire team to further develop and market the city as an attractive city-break destination. New technologies and communication channels offer significant opportunities to unlock additional potential and strengthen Berlin’s appeal.”
Sabine Wendt, who will continue as managing director alongside Amann, said the organisation would focus on preparing the destination for long-term sustainability and growth.
“Together with the tourism and events industry, we will make the destination fit for the future,” she said. “The close integration of tourism development and marketing will play a central role. I am pleased to continue this work with Jürgen Amann and to further develop Berlin as a cosmopolitan, diverse and liveable city, as well as a compelling travel destination.”
Kieker has led Berlin’s tourism marketing since 2009, overseeing the city’s rise as one of Europe’s most visited urban destinations. His departure in 2026 will mark the end of a long tenure that shaped Berlin’s international tourism profile.
