As “Bild” (Thursday) reports, the payments add up to a total of around 11.3 million euros. The frontrunner is therefore the former CEO Richard Lutzwho will receive around 3.4 million euros after his replacement in autumn 2025.

Deutsche Bahn pays mega severance payments

“Bild” refers to informed circles. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, the former digital director, is said to have received around 2.9 million euros after her department was dissolved. The former DB Cargo boss Sigrid Nikutta and former infrastructure director Bertold Huber each receive around 2.5 million euros.

A railway spokesman explained in response to a “Bild” request: “We ask for your understanding that we do not comment on personnel and contractual matters. The data will be made transparent in the 2025 annual report at the end of March.” Legally, the payments are based on current service contracts, some of which were dated until 2027. In the event of early dissolution, the managers are legally entitled to compensation.