photo: Bernhard Osburg on LinkedIn/Bernhard Osburg
Bernhard Osburg, former CEO of Thyssenkrupp’s steel division, will become the new Chief Executive Officer of DB Cargo, replacing Sigrid Nikutta.
The appointment, reported by the German Press Agency (dpa) and multiple German media outlets, is expected to be confirmed by Deutsche Bahn’s Supervisory Board at its extraordinary meeting on 30 October 2025.
Osburg served as CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe until August 2024, when he stepped down following disputes over the group’s reorganisation. The EP Group (EPG), owned by Daniel Křetínský, had been in talks to increase its 20% stake to 50%, becoming a co-owner. However, it later agreed to sell its entire 20% holding, which is now expected to be acquired by India’s Jindal Steel International.
Thyssenkrupp, which employs around 27,000 workers, including 13,000 at its main steelworks in Duisburg, has been struggling with the impact of European and German climate policies, high energy prices, and declining competitiveness compared with Asian producers, compounded by a recession in the German automotive sector.
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A Familiar Face in Industrial Crisis
Osburg takes over DB Cargo at a critical moment. His predecessor, Sigrid Nikutta, was heavily criticised by experts, politicians, and unions for an ineffective restructuring strategy that failed to return the company to profit. Ironically, Osburg’s departure from Thyssenkrupp was also triggered by conflicts over restructuring plans.
Still, his appointment brings a certain logic: the steel industry is one of DB Cargo’s largest customers, giving Osburg first-hand insight into the needs of key clients and the direction DB Cargo must take to rebuild trust and competitiveness in the freight market.
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Background and Career
Osburg studied mechanical engineering at the universities of Duisburg and Düsseldorf. He joined Thyssenkrupp in 2000, holding various positions in sales and marketing, first at the national and European level and later, from 2011, across the company’s global sales network. In October 2021, he became Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe and also served as President of the German Steel Federation.
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Restructuring Challenges Ahead
It remains unclear whether DB Cargo will proceed with its earlier plan to appoint an additional board member dedicated solely to restructuring, or whether Osburg himself will assume direct responsibility for the reform process.
The European Commission, in its 2024 approval of state aid for single wagonload traffic (JVZ), stipulated that DB Cargo must return to profitability by 2026. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for the company’s future operations and EU compliance.
Sources: German press, dpa, and Verkehrsrundschau