Overview

• Government and supervisory‑board sources say DB Regio chief Evelyn Palla is the minister’s nominee to succeed Richard Lutz, with the supervisory board set to consider the appointment on Tuesday.
• Schnieder is expected to introduce the successor on Monday alongside the federal "Agenda für zufriedene Kunden auf der Schiene".
• Palla would be the first woman to head the company and is credited with steering DB Regio to a €103 million operating profit in the first half of 2025.
• Deutsche Bahn is contending with about 60% long‑distance punctuality in August and a €760 million group loss in the first half, as large corridor overhauls stretch into the next decade.
• Unions and transport advocates say improvement depends on reliable multi‑year funding, tighter owner control and potential further leadership moves, including at DB InfraGO.