Messe Frankfurt Middle East today announced the departure of Gazi Bilikozen, its Portfolio Director — Mobility & Logistics, after 17 years with the organisation. During his tenure, Gazi spearheaded the expansion of the Automechanika brand across the Middle East, and helped grow Automechanika Dubai into the region’s leading trade platform for the automotive aftermarket industry.
Gazi has been pivotal to the Automechanika brands evolution across the wider Middle East. He served as senior show manager, show director and portfolio director from 2008 to 2025, during which included the launch of the Automechanika Dubai Awards, created to celebrate excellence in the automotive aftermarket industry.
Gazi also led the introduction of the brand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, launching the show in Jeddah in 2016, before a post-Covid re-launch in Riyadh in 2024. He further introduced key sections to the shows such as ‘Tyres & Batteries’ and ‘Oils & Lubricants’, as well as establishing a dedicated industry advisory board last year.
“It has been an incredible journey, and I feel deeply proud of what we’ve built together,” said Gazi Bilikozen. “Automechanika Dubai and Automechanika Riyadh have become more than just trade shows — they are drivers of innovation, connectors of people, and platforms for real business impact. I’m truly grateful to the leadership in both the UAE and Germany, as well as my brilliant team in Dubai, our valued partners, stakeholders and clients who have believed in the vision. As I look ahead to new opportunities, I leave confident in the strength of the team and the continued evolution of this remarkable brand.”
In 2024, Automechanika Dubai delivered its biggest edition to-date: the show welcomed a record-breaking 48,421 visitors from 149 countries, it featured a total of 2,228 exhibitors, representing a 15% year-on-year growth, and saw an 18% increase in floor space — all this, with a total of 62 countries participating across segments.
“Gazi has made several impressive contributions during his near two-decade tenure — something for which we are obviously very grateful. His passion and vision having helped position Automechanika Dubai as a catalyst for industry growth and innovation. He leaves behind an enduring legacy, and we are committed to building on the platform he had a huge role in creating,” said Ted Bloom, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
Michael Johannes, Vice President — Mobility & Logistics of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, added, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Gazi over the years. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have facilitated the global development of the Automechanika brand. Gazi didn’t just contribute to our success in the Middle East; he also strengthened our position internationally. We deeply appreciate his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
As the company ramps up preparations for the next editions of Automechanika Riyadh and Automechanika Dubai, Messe Frankfurt Middle East is focused on ensuring a seamless leadership transition, while maintaining market leading experiences across both shows.
A formal announcement regarding Gazi’s successor will be made in due course.
In the interim:
- Tommy Le, Show Manager for Automechanika Dubai, will oversee daily operations for the Dubai edition.
- Aly Hefny, Show Manager for Automechanika Riyadh, will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the brand in the Kingdom.
These skilled, highly experienced professionals will be supported by the broader Messe Frankfurt Middle East leadership team, as the organisation continues to drive value and opportunities across the region’s mobility and logistics sector.
The next edition of Automechanika Dubai will take place from 9–11 December 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where thousands of trade buyers, suppliers and industry leaders will come together once again for regions premier automotive aftermarket trade event.
