The supervisory board of Deutsche Bahn (DB) finalized a significant overhaul of its executive leadership this week, appointing three new board members in an extraordinary session just weeks after CEO Evelyn Palla assumed her post. The reshuffle signals a concerted effort to address persistent challenges within the national rail operator and fulfill promises of tangible improvements for passengers.
Harmen van Zijderveld will take on the role of board member responsible for regional transport, effective November 1st. He previously held a key position in DB Regio, overseeing rail operations. Karin Dohm, a seasoned finance executive with experience at Continental and Hornbach, is slated to head the finance division starting December 1st, 2025. Perhaps the most politically sensitive appointment is Bernhard Osburg, a steel industry manager who will now spearhead freight transport, including DB Cargo, from November 15th.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) lauded the appointments, declaring the DB’s executive team now complete and emphasizing the crucial task of implementing his “agenda for satisfied customers on the rails”. However, his statement carried a clear warning. While acknowledging that systemic change necessitates time, Schnieder insisted the government owes the public “rapidly noticeable improvements.
The Minister’s demand for three “immediate action programs” – focused on enhanced safety and cleanliness at stations, improved customer communication and increased comfort in long-distance trains – highlights the political pressure on the revamped leadership. These programs represent a response to increasingly vocal public discontent regarding the quality and reliability of Germany’s rail network.
The appointment of Osburg to lead DB Cargo is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a potential shift in strategy for the struggling freight division. His background in the steel industry – a traditionally rail-dependent sector – could indicate a focus on bolstering freight transport volume and efficiency, which have been significant points of concern for the government.
However, the success of this new executive team and their ability to deliver on Schnieder’s demands remain to be seen. Critics argue that structural issues within DB, including bureaucracy, outdated infrastructure and a complex governance system, require more than just personnel changes to resolve. The immediate action programs, while symbolic, are likely to face considerable logistical and financial hurdles and the true test of Palla’s leadership will be her ability to navigate these challenges and initiate lasting reform.