On September 22, German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder confirmed the appointment of Evelyn Palla as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of German Rail (DB). This announcement comes after the resignation of Dr Richard Lutz, who stepped down last month following continued criticism regarding DB’s financial and operational performance. Palla will officially take on the role on October 1, 2025.

Palla’s Career Path

Palla, 52, is an experienced railway industry leader who has built an extensive career across several prominent organisations. Originally from Italy, she joined DB in 2019 as the chief financial officer of the company’s long-distance passenger division. In 2022, she was appointed as a board member responsible for regional transport at DB. Before joining DB, Palla worked at Infineon Technologies and E.on, where she held various roles in Munich, Cologne, and Milan. She also gained significant experience at Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) from 2011.

At ÖBB, Palla made an indelible mark, serving as an executive board member for regional transport in the company’s passenger subsidiary and chairing the supervisory board of ÖBB’s postal division. Palla’s leadership at ÖBB played a significant role in the company’s positive financial results, which have earned her the respect of colleagues in the industry. Notably, in 2022, she qualified as a driver, making her the only board member at DB with this unique skill.

New Goals for DB

During a press conference on September 22, which coincided with the German transport ministry’s release of a long-awaited report on railway reform, Palla and Minister Schnieder outlined new punctuality targets for DB’s long-distance services. For 2029, the goal is for 70% of services to be on time, with a medium-term target of 80% and a long-term goal of 90%. Last year, DB saw an all-time low in punctuality for its long-distance services, recording just 62.5%. This poor performance resulted in DB paying out €200 million in compensation for delays, a significant burden on the company’s finances. Palla’s leadership will be crucial in improving these statistics and restoring public confidence in the rail system.

Industry Reaction to Palla’s Appointment

Palla’s appointment has been met with positive feedback from the rail industry. Both the German Rail Freight Association (Die Güterbahnen) and Mofair, which represents private railway operators, expressed their confidence in her ability to lead DB through much-needed reforms. The organisations acknowledged that Palla is well aware of the structural and image issues facing DB. Her past work at ÖBB, where she contributed to the success of group-owned infrastructure without an overly dominant approach, demonstrates her capability to manage DB’s complex structure effectively.

About German Rail (DB)

German Rail (Deutsche Bahn or DB) is the national railway company of Germany, serving as a cornerstone of the country’s transportation infrastructure. Established in 1994, DB operates both passenger and freight services, providing critical links between cities, regions, and countries across Europe. The company is known for its extensive network of high-speed trains, including the ICE (InterCity Express) services, which connect major urban centres with efficiency and comfort. Beyond passenger transport, DB also plays a key role in freight logistics, ensuring the movement of goods across Germany and into neighbouring countries. As part of Germany’s commitment to sustainability, DB has been investing heavily in green technologies and plans to make its entire rail network carbon-neutral by 2050. The company is also focused on modernising its infrastructure, improving punctuality, and integrating innovative technologies to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

Looking Forward

Palla’s appointment as DB’s first female CEO represents a significant moment in the company’s history. Her leadership will not only be pivotal in steering DB towards greater operational efficiency but also in achieving the ambitious goals set by the German government for the future of rail transport. Under her guidance, DB is expected to focus on improving punctuality, revitalising customer trust, and addressing internal challenges, such as restructuring the company’s operations to ensure better service delivery,

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