BREAKING: Deutsche Bahn Mourns the Passing of Visionary Leader Dr. Heinz Dürr

The Executive Board, Supervisory Board, and employees of Deutsche Bahn AG mourn the loss of Dr. Heinz Dürr.

Heinz Dürr served as the First President of Deutsche Bundesbahn since 1991, and from September 1991 to December 1993, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of both the Deutsche Bundesbahn and the Deutsche Reichsbahn. In 1994, as CEO, he merged the two companies into Deutsche Bahn AG, where he continued as CEO until July 1997. From July 1997 to February 1999, he held the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bahn AG.

Throughout his many years of service, he played a key role in shaping today's DB Group and will forever be closely linked to its history. Under his leadership, the Deutsche Bundesbahn and the Deutsche Reichsbahn were transformed from an authority structure into a stock corporation in the first stage of the railway reform into Deutsche Bahn AG. Further milestones, such as the expansion of the future-oriented and customer-focused ICE high-speed transport, were achieved during his tenure. Dürr also made a significant contribution to addressing the Nazi history of the predecessor organization, the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Heinz Dürr’s passing. When I joined the company in 1994, as chairman of the board, he united the railways from East and West in reunified Germany. Like no other, he represents the dawn of a new era for railways in Germany. Under his leadership, high-speed rail transport began in Germany. The ICE will always be associated with his name. We at Deutsche Bahn will always be grateful to Heinz Dürr for his foresight and commitment to the railway. Even after his active years, he continued to support DB's journey with his experience, expertise, and passion. In October, we had the opportunity to exchange ideas in person at the traditional annual meeting of former railway heads. We mourn with his family the loss of an extraordinary individual. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and DB employees, we express our deepest condolences to his relatives.”

Werner Gatzer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bahn AG, remarked, “The passing of Heinz Dürr is a great loss for our country and deeply affects me. He was an extraordinary person. During his time as chairman of the board and then chairman of the supervisory board of Deutsche Bahn AG, he significantly influenced the railways in Germany. He managed the rail reunification of Germany, always guided by his unshakable belief in the future and the firm conviction that a company is first and foremost committed to society and its employees. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Source: Deutsche Bahn