Forum Train Europe (FTE) has appointed a new Chairman. Stephan Pfuhl, aged 45, and Head of Long-Distance Services for the SBB Passenger Division, was chosen to head the FTE association in a vote held at the plenary meeting on 30 May 2012. He will be succeeding Hans-Jürg Spillmann, also former Strategy Director at UIC HQ in Paris, who, having served as Chairman of FTE since 2003, stepped down from the post on 31 May 2012.

Stephan Pfuhl intends to strengthen FTE’s role as a European coordination platform by implementing efficient planning processes in the international rail environment. He will also continue to cultivate and develop important and prosperous relationships with partner organisations.

FTE, which has some 100 members across 34 European countries, serves as a coordination platform for railway undertakings and service companies. Its purpose is to harmonise international production plans and train path requests for cross-border passenger and freight transport by rail.

(Source: FTE)