MANUEL PINKE TAKES OVER FROM STEFAN DREISCHÄRF AS MD

Manuel Pinke takes over from Stefan Dreischärf as Managing Director of the High End Society.

High End Society Service GmbH, organiser of the world-renowned HIGH END audio trade fair, has announced a leadership change effective from the 1st of November 2025.

Manuel Pinke will take over as Managing Director, succeeding Stefan Dreischärf, who has led the organisation since 2016. Dreischärf will remain with the company as Senior Event Manager, ensuring continuity during the transition.

STEFAN DREISCHÄRF HANDS OVER AFTER NINE YEARS

During his nine-year tenure, Dreischärf oversaw a period of steady development for the HIGH END exhibition and the company’s wider activities. Under his leadership, the event strengthened its global position and introduced a number of initiatives, including the involvement of internationally recognised musicians as brand ambassadors. Reflecting on his time in the role, Dreischärf said he was proud to have helped shape both the company and the exhibition while enhancing its international relevance.

He also noted that the leadership change is timed to align with a significant new phase in the company’s history, the move of the HIGH END exhibition from Munich to Vienna in 2026. “I am confident that Manuel Pinke is the right person to oversee this process and continue the success story of our shows,” he said.

MANUEL PINKE TO LEAD HIGH END SOCIETY INTO NEW ERA

Manuel Pinke, who joined High End Society Service GmbH in 2020 as Senior Event Manager, brings over three decades of industry experience to his new role. His background includes retail, international sales, and event management, as well as hands-on familiarity with the HIGH END show from multiple perspectives as an exhibitor, visitor, and organiser.

Speaking about his appointment, Pinke said he looked forward to shaping the future of the HIGH END and further developing the company’s portfolio of events as important meeting points for the global audio community. His leadership will begin as the organisation prepares for its first exhibition in Vienna, marking a new chapter in the trade show’s 43-year history.

THE MOVE TO VIENNA MARKS A NEW MILESTONE FOR HIGH END SOCIETY

After more than two decades in Munich, the HIGH END exhibition will relocate to the Austria Center Vienna in 2026. This move represents one of the most significant changes in the event’s history, positioning it within a major European conference and exhibition venue with expanded capacity and modern infrastructure. The transition is part of a long-term strategic plan to sustain the show’s growth and international reach.

HIGH END SOCIETY PRAISES DREISCHÄRF’S CONTRIBUTIONS

The shareholders of High End Society e.V. expressed appreciation for Dreischärf’s achievements during his leadership. They acknowledged his role in consolidating the exhibition’s international importance and praised the smooth handover to a new generation of management. The association also congratulated Pinke on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to continue the company’s development and maintain its reputation within the audio industry.

A CONTINUITY OF EXPERTISE AND PASSION

With Dreischärf continuing in a senior operational role and Pinke stepping into leadership, High End Society aims to ensure both stability and fresh direction as it prepares for the next phase in its growth. The leadership transition reflects the organisation’s commitment to continuity, professional expertise, and its ongoing support of the global HiFi industry.

HiFi PiG Says: We love working with the whole team at the High End Society. Manuel will do a fantastic job running the show; we are really looking forward to High End Vienna 2026.