Overview
- Bild reported that Deutsche Bahn will pay about €11.3 million in severances to departing board members, including €3.4 million for former CEO Richard Lutz.
- Further reported recipients include Daniela Gerd tom Markotten (€2.9 million), Sigrid Nikutta (about €2.5 million) and Berthold Huber (about €2.5 million), while finance chief Karin Dohm is reported to receive a multimillion payment after three months in the job.
- The ministry responsible for Deutsche Bahn said the sums were contractually agreed, negotiated with each executive, approved by the supervisory board and compliant with the Public Corporate Governance Code and market practice.
- The Taxpayers’ Association criticized the payouts given the state-controlled rail operator’s debts and service problems, and SPD transport spokeswoman Isabel Cademartori called for a rethink toward performance-linked pay.
- Coverage cited ongoing contracts in some cases through 2027 and German practice allowing up to two years’ salary on early termination, with labor experts noting companies often pay to avoid drawn‑out disputes and national data showing an average severance of about €6,469.