CFO's Brief Tenure at Deutsche Bahn Concludes
Karin Dohm, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of German state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn, is reportedly set to depart from her position after a tenure of only three months. Reports emerged on February 26, 2026, indicating her imminent exit. Dohm officially assumed the role of CFO on December 1, 2025, as part of a significant management overhaul within the company.
Reasons Behind the Unexpected Departure
According to a report by the 'Süddeutsche Zeitung', Dohm's departure is linked to alleged difficulties in her working relationships. She is said to have alienated numerous individuals, including politicians and employee representatives, and reportedly engaged in frequent disputes with other executives over minor issues. Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla is reported to have 'pulled the plug' on Dohm's employment. Deutsche Bahn has not issued an official statement regarding the reasons for her departure. The formal decision regarding her removal is anticipated to be made at a Supervisory Board meeting scheduled for March.
Context of Deutsche Bahn's Leadership Changes
Dohm's appointment in late 2025 was a key part of a broader restructuring of Deutsche Bahn's management board under the leadership of new CEO Evelyn Palla, who took office on October 1, 2025. This overhaul was intended to usher in a 'profound new beginning' for the railway giant, which has been grappling with substantial challenges. These challenges include persistent train delays, mounting financial losses, and an urgent need for infrastructure repairs across Germany. The new federal government had also advocated for a reorganization of the executive board in its coalition agreement.
Dohm's Prior Career and Previous Short Stints
Before joining Deutsche Bahn, Karin Dohm held prominent financial leadership roles. She served as CFO for the Hornbach Group. Additionally, she had a brief stint as CFO of Continental's automotive division, a position she left after only a few weeks due to illness. Her career also includes extensive experience at Deutsche Bank Group and as an auditor and tax consultant at Deloitte.
6 Comments
Comandante
On one hand, if Dohm truly created a toxic environment, her removal was justified for the sake of the company's morale and productivity. On the other hand, it also highlights significant challenges in integrating new leadership, which could hinder long-term reforms at DB.
Muchacha
Three months? This is ridiculous. How can anyone prove themselves in such a short time?
Habibi
It's understandable that CEO Palla wants a strong, unified team to tackle DB's challenges, but such a swift departure can also be seen as a sign of internal power struggles rather than just one person's fault. The company needs to be transparent about these issues.
ZmeeLove
Given DB's persistent problems, a quick decision to remove a non-performing executive might be necessary for progress. However, the recurring pattern of short tenures for Dohm suggests potential underlying issues that might not solely be her responsibility.
Bermudez
Another one bites the dust. This just shows how unstable DB's leadership really is.
Africa
Sounds like a witch hunt. 'Difficulties in working relationships' is vague and unfair.