Prime Highlights:
- Evelyn Palla has been appointed as the new CEO and Chair of the Management Board of Deutsche Bahn AG, effective October 1, 2025.
- Palla’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh start, improve customer service, and guide the company through key strategic changes.
Key Facts:
- Dr. Richard Lutz will leave Deutsche Bahn by mutual agreement on September 30, 2025, after serving the company for over 30 years.
- Evelyn Palla has extensive experience in the European transport and energy sectors, including her current role at Deutsche Bahn since 2019.
Key Background:
Deutsche Bahn AG has announced Evelyn Palla as its new Chair of the Management Board and CEO, effective October 1, 2025. Palla will take over from Dr. Richard Lutz, who will leave the company by mutual agreement on September 30, 2025. This change marks an important moment for Germany’s largest railway operator and signals a fresh start.
Werner Gatzer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed confidence in Palla, saying, “With Evelyn Palla, DB’s new start will be a success. Her strong operational and strategic skills have helped lead transformation projects at major European companies, including her work at Deutsche Bahn since 2019.” Palla has successfully guided the DB Regio AG unit through challenging times and is recognized for improving team performance and customer service.
The Supervisory Board also thanked Dr. Richard Lutz for his many years of service and contributions to the company. Gatzer highlighted Lutz’s role in implementing the Strong Rail strategy and initiating the S3 turnaround program, which focused on restructuring infrastructure, operations, and profitability. “Richard Lutz has left a lasting impact on DB’s development over more than 30 years,” Gatzer added.
Evelyn Palla brings extensive experience in the European transport and energy sectors. Born in South Tyrol, Italy, in 1973, she began her career at Infineon Technologies AG in 1997 and later worked at E.ON AG in Germany and Italy. In 2011, she joined Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), rising to Member of the Board for Regional Transport and Chair of the Supervisory Board at ÖBB Postbus AG. Palla joined Deutsche Bahn in February 2019 as CFO of DB Fernverkehr AG and was appointed Member of the Board for Regional Transport in July 2022.
In August 2025, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, along with Gatzer and Lutz, agreed to end Lutz’s contract once a suitable successor was found. Palla’s appointment keeps things steady at DB and focuses on improving customer service and making important changes in the company.
With her experience and proven skills, Evelyn Palla is ready to lead Deutsche Bahn AG, making travel better and smoother for millions of passengers in Germany.
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