Dr Richard Lutz has announced his resignation as CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB) today, following years of disappointing financial results and persistent operational problems at the German railway company.
Lutz, who had been at the helm since 2017 and had worked at DB since 1994, is leaving amid mounting pressures over poor performance, mainly in the long-haul and freight divisions, where poor infrastructure has caused significant losses.
DB Cargo has been incurring losses for years, with a deficit of 357 million euros in 2024. Additionally, the long-haul division recorded its worst-ever punctuality record that year, reaching only 52.9% in June, during the European football championship.
Despite the €14.3 billion sale of its logistics subsidiary, DB Schenker, interim results remain poor, with a break-even target for 2025 after an operating deficit of €333 million in 2024. Flagship projects such as the redevelopment of the Stuttgart 21 station have generated cost overruns in the millions and much controversy.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder confirmed that Lutz will stay on during the transition process, with no successor yet appointed. From the German rail sector, his resignation is considered an opportunity for a change of strategy and far-reaching reforms to improve the productivity and competitiveness of rail in Germany.