The leadership change comes as DB struggles to restore its finances and reputation. In 2024, only 67 percent of its long-distance trains arrived on time, the company reported — the worst performance in over two decades.
The first half of 2025 brought signs of improvement. Operating losses were halved to about €760 million compared to the same period in 2024, and revenue rose 3.4 percent to €13.3 billion.
Government support has been crucial: Berlin injected over €4 billion into DB in March and set up a special infrastructure fund running through 2036. The company is also cutting 10,000 administrative jobs by 2027 and investing billions to modernize the network, including a full overhaul of the busy Berlin–Hamburg line.
Schnieder will present his “Agenda for satisfied rail customers” — a reform blueprint — on Sept. 22. “First the strategy, then the personnel,” he said. “Our concept is in place. Now we need the right person to implement it — thoroughness before speed.”