Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) has confirmed that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Richard Lutz will leave his post earlier than planned, following an agreement with the German government and the company’s supervisory board.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, Werner Gatzer, chairman of DB’s supervisory board, and Dr Lutz have agreed to terminate Lutz’s contract before its scheduled expiry in March 2027. Lutz, who has led the state-owned rail operator since 2017, will remain in office until a successor is appointed.
The decision comes as the government pursues wider reforms of the railway sector. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration has committed 500 billion EUR for national infrastructure, including 100 billion EUR earmarked for DB over the next four years. Transport Minister Schnieder said a new rail strategy, titled the Agenda for Satisfied Rail Customers, will be presented on 22 September.
Under Lutz’s leadership, DB has faced continued operational and financial pressures. Modernisation works on the network have contributed to service disruptions, but investment in infrastructure has been identified as essential for future performance.
