Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Stadler Dr Thomas Ahlburg is stepping down from his position within the company.

Joining the Swiss firm as Group CEO back on Monday 1st of January 2018, Dr Thomas Ahlburg has played a key part in the business’ success since his appointment, seeing Stadler perform an Initial Public Offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange, which is Switzerland’s stock exchange market.

In recent times though, views on the strategic plans and organisational development of Stadler between Dr Thomas Ahlburg and the Board of Directors have differed.

Following discussions, a mutual decision was agreed which will see Dr Thomas Ahlburg leave his post, being retained as a Senior Advisor until the end of 2020 to support the firm while a new Group CEO is found and appointed.

Peter Spuhler, Board of Directors Chairman and a long-serving senior member of Stadler, will become a ‘caretaker’ for the Group CEO role while recruitment for the job is carried out.

Speaking about the changes, Peter Spuhler said “Although not always of the same opinion, I have come to know and appreciate Thomas as a passionate and pragmatic CEO. I am convinced of the quality of our employees and the management team, which is reflected in the rail vehicles and services that are reliably deployed around the globe.”

COVID-19 Effect

Whether great or insignificant, every business has been impacted due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the world, Stadler is no diffident.

Lockdowns on the movement of people in multiple countries has led to a few issues for Stadler.

Firstly, supply chains for components and restricted movement of staff mean construction has been slowed or stopped on many current projects. Secondly, reduced rail travel by the public has seen less mileage and usage of rolling stock, reducing demand for maintenance.

Both of these points mean revenues are set to be lower than forecast for both Rolling Stock and Service and Components segment of Stadler. This has lead to the company suspending 2020’s financial targets.

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