Pioneering denim supply chain sourcing event Kingpins has announced the appointment of Vivian Wang as its new CEO.

This marks a significant milestone in the company’s 20-year history, as it introduces the CEO role following a strategic partnership with trade show leader Messe Frankfurt.

 Andrew Olah, founder of Kingpins and the driving force behind the company’s success, will now take an advisory role, offering guidance in shaping the show’s future.

Olah launched Kingpins in 2004 with a mission to redefine the way the global jeans business connects and collaborates. Under his leadership, Kingpins evolved from a small, intimate sourcing event in New York into a powerful platform that now serves as the heartbeat of the denim community worldwide. Known for his commitment to sustainability and education, Olah has positioned Kingpins as a global standard-bearer for the denim industry.

“Andrew’s vision has been the foundation of everything Kingpins stands for today,” says Wang. “He saw an opportunity to create something entirely new for the denim industry – a space where business, innovation and collaboration could thrive. It’s an honour to carry forward his legacy and build upon the incredible platform he’s created.”

Olah and Wang’s partnership has been instrumental in Kingpins’ growth. Together, they have expanded the show into new international markets, culminating in the launch of the Amsterdam show in 2014. Over the years, Kingpins has hosted more than 90 trade shows and events, establishing a reputation as the premier destination for denim mills, manufacturers, chemical and machinery suppliers, fibre makers and other key players in the jeans supply chain.

“From the start, I wanted Kingpins to be more than just a trade show,” says Olah. “I envisaged a global platform where the denim community could gather to share ideas, tackle challenges and celebrate the artistry and innovation behind every pair of jeans. Seeing how far we’ve come – and knowing it’s in such capable hands with Vivian – gives me great confidence in the future of Kingpins.”

Wang, who has been with Kingpins since its founding, has played a vital role in its success, from designing the logo and invitation for the first show to overseeing its international expansion. As the company’s managing director and head of global sales, she also established the Kingpins brand in key markets and guided its evolution into a globally respected platform. Under her leadership, Kingpins now hosts biannual shows in New York and Amsterdam, an annual show in China, and smaller pop-up events worldwide.

In 2023, Kingpins formed a strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt but under the terms of the agreement remains an independent operation. Wang is dedicated to preserving the show’s unique DNA and core mission to create a welcoming and easy-to-navigate space for the global denim community to conduct business, share insights and innovate.

“Messe Frankfurt’s partnership strengthens Kingpins by providing us with access to its extensive resources and expertise,” Wang said. “However, at its heart, Kingpins will always be the show that Andrew envisaged –  a place for the denim industry to come together, collaborate and push boundaries.”

www.kingpinsshow.com