photo: RAILTARGET/Martin Kolovratník
The Supervisory Board of Správa železnic is undergoing a major transformation aimed at turning it into an active strategic partner of management rather than a purely formal control body. The changes come as the organisation manages investments worth tens of billions of crowns and plays a decisive role in the daily operation of the Czech railway network.
The Supervisory Board of Správa železnic is entering a new phase of governance reform. At a time when the infrastructure manager oversees large-scale investment programmes and its decisions directly affect railway operations, the board is expected to move beyond a symbolic oversight role and engage more actively in strategic coordination, risk assessment, and long-term planning.
The newly appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Martin Kolovratník, outlined his vision for the board’s future role. He stated that the board’s work should focus on regular and systematic coordination of key management decisions, including professional scrutiny of strategic steps, control of long-term priorities, and clear evaluation of risks associated with major investment and operational projects.
Greater Focus on Customers and Public Procurement Reform
A stronger customer-oriented approach is expected to form a core pillar of the new strategy. According to Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik, Správa železnic cannot operate in isolation from railway operators and the realities of daily traffic. Planning of possessions, operational reliability, and communication with carriers must become integral parts of strategic decision-making rather than issues addressed only after problems arise.
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Public procurement processes will also undergo significant changes. All contracts exceeding EUR 8.2 million (CZK 200 million) will now require approval by the Supervisory Board, which will also provide expert scrutiny of major projects. The aim is to strengthen competition, improve supplier quality, and enhance accountability for costs and outcomes, positioning Správa železnic as a confident and predictable public investor.
Changes in the Composition of the Supervisory Board
The governance reform includes a reshuffle of the board’s membership. As of 26 January 2026, several members were removed from office, while Tomáš Tyll was appointed to the Supervisory Board with effect from 27 January 2026. Three seats remain vacant for the time being.
On the same day, the newly constituted Supervisory Board convened to take the next key step: the selection of a new Director General of Správa železnic.
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Tomáš Tóth Appointed Director General
From 1 February, Tomáš Tóth, former Chairman of the Board of ČD Cargo, will assume the role of Director General of Správa železnic. The leadership changes are intended to stabilise the organisation’s management structure and clearly define responsibilities between the Supervisory Board and executive management.
The objective of the reform is not personnel change for its own sake, but a broader strengthening of governance, accountability, and the capacity of Správa železnic to manage both its extensive investment portfolio and the operational challenges facing the Czech railway network.