European Union significantly contributes to the evolution of railways.
The search for a new CEO at Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway, has begun, with a focus on external candidates to drive substantial organizational change. The labor union EVG, along with associated groups, have suggested looking abroad for a suitable candidate.
Anna-Theresa Korbutt, the current CEO of the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV), has been proposed by the passenger association Pro Bahn as a fresh leadership candidate with transport sector experience and a reputation for advocating necessary reforms. Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, is another potential successor, with strong operational expertise in mobility and transport technology.
Evelyn Palla, Deutsche Bahn's regional transport head, is also seen as a serious contender due to her internal management experience. However, she is considered an external candidate relative to the top executive role. Notably, Andreas Mattha, head of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), and Peter Fuglistaler, former chief of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport, were approached but declined the offer.
The German Railways' board and Federal Transport Minister are seeking a CEO with proven operational capabilities, political acumen, and a vision for modernization, aligning with the profiles of these candidates. The naming of Korbutt comes specifically from the labor union EVG's allied passenger association Pro Bahn, which advocates an outsider to drive substantial organizational change.
In addition to these external candidates, possible internal candidates for the CEO position include Evelyn Palla, head of DB Regio, Sigrid Nikutta, head of DB Cargo, Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB Infrago, and Berthold Huber, former long-distance traffic board member and current head of the infrastructure division.
The supervisory board of Deutsche Bahn will be consulted before the search for a new CEO begins. The future railway CEO will face many challenges, as the position requires a "doer with management qualities" and the ability to show "drive, courage, and endurance," as stated by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Until a successor is appointed, Richard Lutz will continue to perform his duties. However, he has recently been dismissed from the position. The new CEO will be chosen by a consulting firm, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The EVG board is against filling the CEO position with a politician or a top manager from another industry.
The search for a new CEO at Deutsche Bahn promises to be a significant event, with much anticipation surrounding the candidates and the direction they will take the company in. The naming of Korbutt, Peter, and Palla as leading external candidates reflects the assessments of EVG and stakeholders, with others like Mattha and Fuglistaler having declined. The search for a new CEO has not been limited to candidates from within the corporation, indicating a desire for fresh perspectives and innovative leadership.
