A significant leadership change is anticipated at Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail operator. According to reports emerging from government sources, Evelyn Palla, the current head of DB Regio, is being considered for the position of CEO of the entire Bahn-Konzern (rail group).
While the Ministry of Transport has declined to officially confirm or deny the information, indications suggest the move is progressing towards realization. Earlier reporting from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung revealed that Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) already has a candidate in mind, although legal hurdles may currently prevent a formal announcement. The Minister stated the possibility of a delay, referencing legal reasons that restrict premature disclosure.
Schnieder is scheduled to unveil a new strategic direction for the state-owned enterprise on Monday and this event is expected to include the formal announcement of the new CEO. The previous CEO, Richard Lutz, was recently dismissed from his role but has been asked to remain in place until a successor is appointed.
Evelyn Palla, originally from South Tyrol, joined the rail group in 2019. Prior to her current position, she held leadership roles within the Austrian national railway company (ÖBB) and at energy company Eon. The new appointment, if confirmed, would mark a fresh chapter for Deutsche Bahn amidst ongoing efforts to modernize and restructure the organization.
