Evelyn Palla appointed CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, Becomes First Woman to lead the company

Berlin, Germany (Metro Rail Today): In a historic leadership transition, Evelyn Palla has been appointed as the new Chair of the Management Board and CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, effective October 1, 2025, making her the first woman ever to lead Germany’s national rail operator. She succeeds Dr. Richard Lutz, who will retire by mutual agreement after more than three decades of service.

The decision was made by the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bahn AG, chaired by Werner Gatzer, and marks a significant moment for the European transport industry as Deutsche Bahn embarks on its next phase of customer-focused transformation and infrastructure modernization.

“With her outstanding operational and strategic skills, Evelyn Palla has proven her ability to complete transformation projects with success,” said Werner Gatzer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “We are confident that DB can make a successful new start with Evelyn Palla at the helm.”

Leadership with Proven Expertise

Evelyn Palla joined Deutsche Bahn in 2019 as CFO of DB Fernverkehr AG, and later became Board Member for Regional Transport in 2022. She is credited with turning around DB Regio AG, enhancing both operational stability and employee morale. Prior to joining DB, she held leadership roles at Infineon Technologies, E.ON AG, and ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways).

Her appointment is seen as a major step toward increasing diversity in the global rail sector.

“This isn’t just a win for Deutsche Bahn — it’s a win for women in transport leadership across the world,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO of Urban Infra Group, India. “Evelyn Palla’s elevation sends a strong message that gender should never be a barrier to leading at the highest levels. As an Indian woman in rail infrastructure myself, I view her appointment as both empowering and deeply inspiring. I look forward to stronger Indo-German collaborations under her leadership.”

Dr. Richard Lutz’s departure follows a distinguished career, including the launch of Deutsche Bahn’s “Strong Rail” strategy and the S3 turnaround programme focused on infrastructure, operations, and profitability.

“Richard Lutz has made a definitive impact on DB’s development... His leadership has shaped the vision for a stronger, more sustainable railway network,” said Gatzer.

Toward a Modern and Inclusive Railway Future

Palla’s appointment comes at a time when Germany’s Federal Transport Ministry is doubling down on rail infrastructure reforms, digitalization, and improved customer service. Her experience in managing regional operations, financial systems, and cross-national transport services puts her in a strong position to implement this transformation.

The German government, led by Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, played a key role in enabling a smooth transition, ensuring strategic continuity for Deutsche Bahn.

As Evelyn Palla prepares to lead one of Europe’s largest transport networks, her leadership is expected to shape not only Deutsche Bahn’s future but also influence global railway modernization efforts, including initiatives in India and Southeast Asia.