New Leadership at Renfe: Álvaro Fernández Heredia Takes Charge Amidst Challenges
The Spanish government has appointed Álvaro Fernández Heredia as the new president of Renfe, the national railway company, following the resignation of Raül Blanco as part of a strategic agreement with the Ministry of Transport. This decision was confirmed on Tuesday by ministry sources to EFE. The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, praised Fernández Heredia, highlighting him as a highly skilled manager and a leading expert in passenger mobility.
Fernández Heredia faces significant challenges in his new role, particularly arising from ongoing issues with the new Talgo trains, which were introduced in April. Recently, a software malfunction resulted in a halt to services, adding to the strain on operations. Additionally, construction at major stations such as Chamartín and Atocha in Madrid, as well as Sants in Barcelona, has strained both commuter and high-speed train operations.
One of the critical goals outlined in Renfe's Strategic Plan is to enhance international operations, aiming for 10% of its revenue to come from foreign activities by 2028. However, progress has been hindered in France, where Renfe has been attempting to establish a train connection between Barcelona and Paris for over a year but has faced roadblocks from French authorities, who have been slow to grant the necessary approvals.
In leaving office, Raül Blanco bequeaths a more stable financial landscape to Renfe compared to past years. Losses in 2024 have seen an impressive reduction of 83%, down to 20 million euros from a staggering 1.234 billion a year before. In contrast, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) has grown by 28% to reach 450 million euros.
Álvaro Fernández Heredia possesses a solid background in transport and infrastructure, with two decades of professional experience. He holds a civil engineering degree in Roads, Canals, and Ports and earned his doctorate in Transport Infrastructure from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). His career includes academia, having taught Transport Planning and directed a master's program in Civil Engineering. He has also collaborated as a researcher at various prestigious institutions and served as the managing director of the Municipal Transport Company of Madrid.
In addition to Fernández Heredia's appointment, Sara Hernández del Olmo will be appointed as the new Secretary General of Sustainable Mobility, replacing Fernández Heredia in his former role. Hernández del Olmo is an experienced engineer also specializing in Roads, Canals, and Ports, holding a doctorate in Transport from UPM. With 15 years of experience in sustainable mobility infrastructure and intermodal transport planning, she aims to promote policies focused on reducing carbon emissions in transportation and enhancing public transport systems.
Hernández del Olmo's background includes roles in the private sector at Deloitte, alongside notable contributions as a researcher at TRANSyT, a prominent transport research center. Her expertise lies in sustainable transport policies, market analysis, and feasibility studies, ensuring she is well-equipped to tackle the responsibilities ahead.
With these leadership changes, Renfe is poised to navigate the challenges before it while striving for enhanced services and sustainability in the future.
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