Bernhard Osburg, former CEO of thyssenkrupp Steel, will be the new head of DB Cargo, according to German press agency dpa. Osburg will take over from Sigrid Nikutta, who was reported to be dismissed from her position at the end of the month.
Osburg left thyssenkrupp Steel in 2024 over disagreements on the company’s restructuring. That is an interesting detail, since Nikutta’s reported departure is directly linked to dissatisfaction with her restructuring policies at DB Cargo.
Before working as CEO at thyssenkrupp Steel, Osburg was board chairman, chief commercial officer and worked in various sales positions.
The leadership change is reportedly not yet definitive. According to news platform Table.Media, a Supervisory Board meeting is planned for 30 October, where the dismissal of Nikutta still needs to be approved.
Restructuring criticism
Nikutta faced criticism from both within and outside DB Cargo. On 20 October, DB Cargo finalised an internal report on Nikutta’s restructuring plans and whether or not it could continue.
Consultants came to the conclusion that that was not possible, German publication Der Spiegel wrote. “The current restructuring plan is […] objectively unsuitable for eliminating the causes of the crisis and restoring competitiveness […].”
Trade union EVG also called for the dismissal of Nikutta, saying that she was leading the company “into the abyss” with her restructuring plans.