Overview

• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder announced the early termination of Richard Lutz’s contract and said Lutz will remain in office until a successor is named.
• Schnieder aims to resolve the CEO appointment and roll out his rail reform agenda by September 22.
• National outlets and the Pro Bahn association have floated a mix of internal and external candidates, including Siemens Mobility’s Michael Peter and HVV chief Anna-Theresa Korbutt.
• Trade unions and passenger groups warn that swapping the CEO won’t address Deutsche Bahn’s chronic underinvestment and persistent punctuality problems.
• The governing coalition has pledged to add specialist expertise to Deutsche Bahn’s executive and supervisory boards and to slim down its top management team.