Evelyn Palla tightens grip on Germany’s rail network with dual leadership role

A bold leadership shift at Deutsche Bahn scraps separation plans—now, one executive steers both the company and its critical rail infrastructure. What’s behind the reversal?

, and Administrator

2025 November 19 . 3:06 AM

1 min read

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Evelyn Palla tightens grip on Germany’s rail network with dual leadership role

Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn since October 2022, has now taken on an additional leadership role. She was elected chair of the supervisory board for DB InfraGo, the division overseeing Germany’s rail network. The move marks a shift in the government’s earlier restructuring plans.

The coalition government, led by the CDU/CSU and SPD, had originally intended to separate Deutsche Bahn more clearly from its infrastructure subsidiary. Plans included replacing Philipp Nagl, the CEO of DB InfraGo, but his successor withdrew, leaving him in post. The restructuring aimed to create stronger independence between the parent company and its rail network division.

Those plans changed in November 2025 when Palla assumed the dual role of CEO and supervisory board chair at DB InfraGo. This decision reversed the earlier push for separation, instead tightening the connection between Deutsche Bahn and its infrastructure arm.

Palla’s expanded responsibilities now place her in direct oversight of Germany’s rail network operations. The move consolidates leadership under her while maintaining Nagl’s position as DB InfraGo’s CEO.

The leadership changes mean Deutsche Bahn and DB InfraGo will operate under closer integration than originally planned. Palla’s dual role strengthens her influence over both the parent company and its critical infrastructure division. The restructuring reflects a shift from the coalition’s initial separation strategy.