Railpool Strengthens Leadership With New Operational Oversight Appointment

MUNICH, May 2026 — Railpool has strengthened its executive leadership by appointing a new Chief Operating Officer to oversee core operational functions across its European locomotive leasing business. The appointment is part of a broader governance adjustment aligned with the company’s expansion strategy.

Ketterl will be responsible for overseeing Railpool’s ECM-compliant locomotive operations, maintenance activities, digitalisation, IT systems, and project management office functions. His mandate includes ensuring fleet availability and improving operational performance across Railpool’s maintenance and workshop network.

The appointment brings over 25 years of international rail and mobility experience into the company’s leadership. Ketterl previously held senior roles at Kiepe Electric, where he led global operations and performance programmes, as well as leadership positions at Bombardier Transportation and DB Cargo, focusing on fleet operations, supply chain performance, and transformation initiatives.

According to Railpool, the addition strengthens its capacity to manage growing fleet complexity and accelerate its digital transformation agenda. The company continues to expand its presence across European leasing markets, where demand for efficient and flexible rolling stock solutions remains strong amid increasing cross-border rail freight and passenger activity.

The leadership change reflects a wider industry trend among European lessors, where operational excellence, maintenance optimisation, and digital systems integration are becoming critical differentiators as fleets grow and regulatory requirements tighten.

Source: Rail Market