Former Steel Executive Appointed to Lead DB Cargo Freight Division
The management of DB Cargo, the freight transport subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, is set for a significant change as Bernhard Osburg, former head of the steel division at Thyssenkrupp, is expected to assume leadership of the struggling business unit. This transition follows the recent departure of Sigrid Nikutta, whose restructuring strategy for DB Cargo was deemed insufficient by an independent review.
According to reports, Osburg is anticipated to take over the board position responsible for freight transport at Deutsche Bahn, pending formal approval by the company's supervisory board. A special meeting to confirm this leadership change is scheduled in the coming days.
DB Cargo has faced ongoing challenges in recent years, including operational inefficiencies and financial losses. The unit, which is crucial for Germany's logistics and industrial supply chains, has been under pressure to improve performance and restore profitability. The need for new management became urgent after Nikutta's proposed recovery plan did not meet expectations, prompting the company to seek alternative leadership to drive necessary reforms.
Bernhard Osburg brings extensive experience in industrial management, having served as the chief executive of Thyssenkrupp's steel division until mid-2024. His departure from Thyssenkrupp followed internal disagreements regarding the restructuring of the corporation. At Deutsche Bahn, Osburg will be tasked with revitalizing DB Cargo, implementing operational improvements, and repositioning the subsidiary in a competitive and evolving European rail freight market.
The appointment of new leadership at DB Cargo marks a broader restructuring within Deutsche Bahn's management. The state-owned rail company is concluding a series of top-level personnel changes under the oversight of its new chief executive, Evelyn Palla. In addition to the transition at DB Cargo, the company has identified candidates for other key executive roles. Karin Dohm, previously an executive at the retail chain Hornbach, is considered for the role of chief financial officer. She is expected to succeed Levin Holle, who recently left Deutsche Bahn for a governmental position. Additionally, Harmen van Zijderveld, currently responsible for rail operations at DB Regio, is being considered to head the regional transport division. These appointments are also subject to supervisory board approval.
These changes come at a critical time for Deutsche Bahn as it works to address structural challenges in both passenger and freight transport. The company faces mounting expectations to enhance service quality, increase efficiency, and support Germany's transition to more sustainable transportation. The restructuring of DB Cargo's leadership is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening the company's freight operations and supporting the broader objectives of rail transport modernization within the country.
With Bernhard Osburg's industry expertise, Deutsche Bahn aims to implement a turnaround strategy for DB Cargo, focusing on financial stability, operational effectiveness, and long-term growth in the rail freight sector. The outcomes of these leadership changes will be closely watched by stakeholders across Germany's transportation and logistics industries.