Deutsche Bahn is preparing for a leadership change at the helm of its freight division, DB Cargo. According to sources in the German business press, the company has selected Bernhard Osburg, former CEO of Thyssenkrupp’s steel division, as the new chairman of the management board. The information has not yet been officially confirmed, but it is considered reliable and consistent with reports from circles close to the Federal Ministry of Transport. The extraordinary meeting of Deutsche Bahn’s supervisory board, scheduled for 30 October, is expected to formalise the appointment, which will see Sigrid Nikutta — in office since 2020 — replaced. The reshuffle marks one of the first strategic moves by Evelyn Palla, who became president of Deutsche Bahn Group on 1 October 2025.
The leadership change comes at a critical moment for DB Cargo, which has been struggling with years of losses and a recovery plan recently criticised in an external assessment by consultancy firm Oliver Wyman. The report, commissioned by Deutsche Bahn itself, described the current management approach as “inadequate”, arguing that existing measures are insufficient to return the company to profitability. Sigrid Nikutta had pursued a strategy of significant downsizing and federal subsidies for single-wagon traffic, but the results fell short of expectations.
According to the latest figures, DB Cargo continues to post losses of around €50 million, with cumulative deficits exceeding €3.1 billion since 2020. The situation is further complicated by the conditions set by the European Commission for approving €1.9 billion in state aid, which require the company to achieve financial balance by 2026 without further direct support from the parent group.
Bernhard Osburg, 57, brings to DB Cargo extensive industrial experience. After early roles at Johnson Controls and Gestamp Automocion, he held senior positions at Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, becoming CEO before stepping down in 2024 following internal disagreements over restructuring strategy. His background in the steel industry is seen as particularly relevant, given that major steelworks account for a substantial share of Germany’s rail freight traffic.
With Osburg’s appointment, Group President Evelyn Palla continues to reshape Deutsche Bahn’s leadership structure, initiating a broad renewal process following years of operational challenges and internal strategic reviews. The decision to bring in a leader from the heavy industry sector signals an intention to steer DB Cargo towards a more pragmatic, industrially oriented approach aligned with the needs of its key freight customers.
Alongside Osburg’s appointment, the supervisory board is also expected to confirm two further key positions on 30 October: Karin Dohm, former manager at DIY retailer Hornbach, will become chief financial officer (CFO), replacing Levin Holle, who left the group in spring 2025 to take up a post in the Federal Chancellery. In regional transport, Harmen van Zijderveld, currently head of DB Regio’s rail division, is expected to succeed Palla in her former role.
