"With this personnel decision we are providing continuity and dependability for the company," says Prof Dr Dr Utz-Hellmuth Felcht, head of the supervisory board. "Dr Grube and his management team can continue the modernisation and cultural change they have initiated."

Grube responded by saying: "We are on the right track but we have not yet reached our goal. There is very much to do in the coming years, and my specific focus remains to improve the railway step-by-step."