Deutsche Bahn CEO: Leadership & Transformation in German Rail

Evelyn Palla will become Deutsche Bahn’s CEO on October 1, 2025. This experienced railway professional brings extensive leadership skills to the role.

Deutsche Bahn CEO: Leadership & Transformation in German Rail
October 1, 2025 7:54 pm
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Introduction

Evelyn Palla will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at Deutsche Bahn AG on 1 October 2025, as decided by the company’s Supervisory Board. This appointment follows a career that includes significant roles within both Deutsche Bahn and other major European transport companies.

Background and Career Progression

Evelyn Palla’s career began in 1997 at Infineon Technologies AG. In 2003, she joined E.ON AG, working in Munich, Cologne, and Milan. Subsequently, in 2011, she moved to Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Vienna. From 2015, she served as Board Member for Regional Transport at ÖBB Personenverkehr AG and also held the position of Chair of the Supervisory Board of ÖBB Postbus AG.

Deutsche Bahn Appointments

Palla joined Deutsche Bahn in February 2019, taking on the role of CFO of DB Fernverkehr. In July 2022, she was appointed Board Member for Regional Transport at Deutsche Bahn AG.

Leadership Endorsement

Werner Gatzer, Chair of the Supervisory Board, stated that Evelyn Palla has “demonstrated outstanding operational and strategic capabilities in leading European companies and, since 2019, also within Deutsche Bahn. She has shown that she can successfully implement transformation projects.”

Contract Termination

On 14 August 2025, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, Supervisory Board Chair Werner Gatzer, and outgoing CEO Richard Lutz mutually agreed to terminate the CEO’s contract early.

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Conclusion

Evelyn Palla, who began her career in 1997, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bahn AG on 1 October 2025. Her background includes various leadership positions in the transport sector, culminating in her appointment within Deutsche Bahn and the subsequent transition of the CEO position.

Company Summary

Deutsche Bahn AG: A German railway company.

Infineon Technologies AG: A company where Evelyn Palla began her career.

E.ON AG: A company where Evelyn Palla worked.

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB): A railway company where Evelyn Palla worked.

ÖBB Personenverkehr AG: A subsidiary of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) where Evelyn Palla worked.

ÖBB Postbus AG: A subsidiary of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) where Evelyn Palla served as Chair of the Supervisory Board.

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