Millions for 90 days: The CFO of Deutsche Bahn trains leaves with a huge compensation
After only three months in office, Deutsche Bahn’s Chief Financial Officer كارين دوهم is leaving her post and is set to receive a severance payment that could reach millions of euros, raising criticism over the cost to taxpayers.
كارين دوهم took up her role on December 1, 2025, but is stepping down before fully settling into the job. Members of the railway group’s executive board normally earn between 700,000 and 850,000 euros in base salary, plus bonuses, meaning her compensation package is expected to reach seven figures.
The pay structure at Deutsche Bahn was significantly revised in 2024, increasing base salaries for board members. According to the latest remuneration report, دانييلا غيرد توم ماركوتن received a base salary of 746,000 euros, while إيفلين بالا earned 700,000 euros. Former CEO ريتشارد لوتس topped the list with 1.42 million euros.
Under company rules, executive board members are entitled to severance pay if their contracts end early without serious misconduct. The payout is based on the remaining contract term and agreed salary, but is capped at two years’ pay in line with the German Corporate Governance Code and Section 626 of the German Civil Code. As a result, دوهم’s severance is likely to exceed one million euros.
Her early departure is reportedly due to differences with Deutsche Bahn CEO إيفلين بالا, with sources saying her leadership style caused internal unrest and tension with politicians and employee representatives. The supervisory board is expected to confirm the dismissal in March. The railway company declined to comment on the case, but it is certain that دوهم’s exit will come at a high financial price.