The Supervisory Board of ÖBB-Personenverkehr has appointed Bernhard Gritzner and Ralf Mair as the new managing directors of ÖBB-Technische Services. The company, a subsidiary of ÖBB specializing in rail vehicle maintenance and servicing, operates across 25 locations with approximately 4,000 employees.
Gritzner will oversee "Control and Processes," while Mair takes responsibility for "Resources and Technology." Both had already served as interim managing directors prior to their official appointments.
Profiles of the New Managing Directors
Bernhard Gritzner, 44, began his career in controlling within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries after completing degrees in Economics & Law and Applied Business Administration at the Alpen-Adria University of Klagenfurt. He later worked in management consultancy with a focus on strategic performance management and controlling. Since joining ÖBB in 2015, Gritzner has held several positions, including leading special projects at ÖBB-Produktion and serving as commercial managing director of ÖBB Stadler Service. He has headed controlling at ÖBB-Technische Services since 2020.
Ralf Mair, 53, brings extensive experience in railway operations. His career includes roles at © ÖBB Traktion and WESTbahn, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Returning to ÖBB in 2016, Mair has been involved in operations management and quality, safety, and environment processes. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of ÖBB-Produktion before transitioning to his new role at ÖBB-Technische Services.
Changes in ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG Leadership
Heinz Freunschlag, a member of the ÖBB-Personenverkehr executive board since 2019, will leave the company at the end of the 2024 financial year. Freunschlag has held leadership positions across various ÖBB divisions, including Rail Cargo Hungaria and Rail Cargo Austria. His decision to depart paves the way for a successor, and the position will be advertised.
Freunschlag’s departure is accompanied by upcoming leadership changes in other ÖBB subsidiaries, including Österreichische Postbus, where the board mandate for technology, production, and regional management expires in 2025.
Leadership Transition and Operational Focus
The appointment of Gritzner and Mair is positioned to align ÖBB-Technische Services’ operations with the broader objectives of ÖBB’s passenger and freight transport divisions. Their responsibilities will include maintaining operational standards and managing integration across corporate processes in line with ÖBB's maintenance and service strategies. The company remains focused on ensuring continuity and efficiency in its technical services operations as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts.
