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Germany's S-Bahn networks face major leadership shake-up in Munich and Berlin

A high-stakes leadership shift could redefine Germany's rail future. Can new faces fix Berlin's delays and Munich's modernisation plans?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a map of a city with a route of a train from Munich to Frankfurt highlighted. The...
The image shows a map of a city with a route of a train from Munich to Frankfurt highlighted. The map is detailed and shows the various stops along the route, as well as the surrounding area. The text on the map provides additional information about the train, such as its length, distance, and other points of interest.

Munich S-Bahn Chief Büttner Heads to Berlin - Germany's S-Bahn networks face major leadership shake-up in Munich and Berlin

Major leadership changes are coming to Germany's S-Bahn networks. Heiko Büttner, the long-serving head of Munich's S-Bahn, will move to Berlin in April. His departure triggers a reshuffle in Munich, with Matthias Glaub stepping in as interim leader before Nina Hutwagner takes over permanently.

The shifts follow a period of significant contract negotiations in Munich and ongoing challenges in Berlin, where infrastructure problems have plagued services for months.

Heiko Büttner has led Munich's S-Bahn since 2017. During his tenure, he secured a major contract with the Free State of Bavaria, which includes plans for new XXL trains, maintenance depots, and a modern control centre. As Deutsche Bahn's corporate representative for Bavaria, his role has been pivotal in shaping the region's rail future.

On 1 April, Büttner will replace the late Peter Buchner, who died in November 2022 after a serious illness. Buchner had previously headed Berlin's S-Bahn, where persistent infrastructure failures have caused months of delays. The network's ageing fleet remains a pressing issue, with new train orders stuck in a prolonged tendering process.

In Munich, Matthias Glaub will temporarily take over from Büttner. Glaub's tenure will be short-lived, as Nina Hutwagner—currently head of scheduling and operations at Frankfurt's S-Bahn—has been named his successor. The timing of Büttner's replacement in his Bavarian corporate role has yet to be confirmed.

Details on recent train orders for Munich's S-Bahn beyond March 2026 remain unclear. Official updates from Deutsche Bahn or the Bavarian government are expected to provide further clarity on delivery schedules and fleet expansion.

Büttner's move to Berlin marks a new chapter for both cities' rail systems. Munich gains fresh leadership while pushing ahead with modernisation plans. Meanwhile, Berlin's S-Bahn faces the challenge of addressing long-standing infrastructure and fleet issues under its incoming chief.

The changes come as Deutsche Bahn continues to navigate operational hurdles and contract negotiations across its networks.

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