Deutsche Bahn's 2024 executive pay soars to €17.3 million amid lavish severance deals
Deutsche Bahn's executive board earned a total of €17.3 million in 2024. The figures highlight significant payouts, including severance packages and bonuses for both current and former leaders. Former CEO Richard Lutz received the largest sum, totalling €5.5 million. Richard Lutz, who stepped down as CEO, took home €1.4 million in fixed salary. On top of this, he received €570,000 in bonuses and a €3.5 million severance payment. His total compensation made him the highest-paid executive last year.
Several other departing leaders also secured large severance deals. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, Berthold Huber, and Sigrid Nikutta collectively received €11.3 million. Karin Dohm, who left the company after just four months as CFO, has not yet had her severance package included in the published figures.
Among current executives, Martin Seiler, the long-serving CFO, earned €1.22 million. New CEO Evelyn Palla received €1.17 million in her first year. The combined pay for all sitting board members reached just under €3.7 million. The 2024 compensation report reveals substantial earnings for Deutsche Bahn's top executives. With severance payments adding millions to the total, the company's leadership costs remain high. The final figures may still rise once Karin Dohm's exit package is accounted for.
