The German Federal Minister for Transport, Patrick Schnieder, has announced the selection of a new Chief Executive Officer for Deutsche Bahn, although a formal announcement may be delayed due to legal considerations. Schnieder intends to unveil a highly anticipated new strategy for the national rail operator at a press conference on Monday, ideally alongside the introduction of the new CEO. The timing of both events remains subject to last-minute adjustments.
Minister Schnieder previously emphasized that the primary criterion for selecting a candidate was their ability and willingness to implement the new strategic direction for Deutsche Bahn. The incoming CEO will immediately face a significant challenge, as Schnieder stated his unwillingness to contribute to the substantial cost overruns associated with the Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project.
Following a recent court ruling, the financial burden of these overruns now rests with Deutsche Bahn itself, which is fully owned by the federal government. Schnieder affirmed the government’s adherence to existing contractual obligations, declaring they will not enter into agreements that commit to payments exceeding previously agreed-upon amounts, particularly for projects not directly overseen by the federal government.
