Alberto Mazzola Assumed Leadership of CER
The rail industry veteran took over as Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
Alberto Mazzola began his tenure as Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) in January 2021. He succeeded Libor Lochman, who had held the position since 2011.
Why it matters
This leadership transition brought a long-time veteran of rail infrastructure and energy policy into the chief executive role of the industry group. His background reflects a shift toward navigating complex European regulatory frameworks for transit operators.
The new executive director brings a background spanning 19 years in rail and engineering, replacing a predecessor who served for 10 years starting in 2011. The appointment follows his leadership roles at the European Economic and Social Committee held between 2015 and 2020.
The players
Alberto Mazzola
An industry executive with a background in nuclear engineering and rail infrastructure who serves as the Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies.
Libor Lochman
The former Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies who held the position for ten years.
Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies
A Brussels-based industry group representing the interests of railway operators and infrastructure managers across Europe.
The details
Mazzola assumed the leadership of the Brussels-based organization after serving as a Vice-President of the Transport, Energy and Service of General Interest Section. His career trajectory includes roles at Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane beginning in 2002 and earlier work at Leonardo Finmeccanica. He brings technical expertise to the role, holding a Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering from the Politecnico of Milan.
Timeline
1988-2002: Mazzola worked at Leonardo Finmeccanica.
2002: Mazzola joined Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.
2011: Libor Lochman began his term as Executive Director.
2015-September 2020: Mazzola held committee leadership roles.
January 2021: Alberto Mazzola started as CER Executive Director.
Market Landscape
The transition at the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies follows a decade of industry consolidation under previous leadership. This appointment marks a pivot toward integrating complex European energy and transport policy expertise into the association's core strategy.
Operators and infrastructure providers should monitor the new executive direction for shifts in lobbying priorities regarding European transit funding. Watch for updates in industry-wide policy white papers that signal a new emphasis on the technical and regulatory alignment of rail assets.
The takeaway
The appointment of an executive with both engineering and energy policy experience suggests that technical integration is now as critical as regulatory lobbying for rail operators. Leaders should track how the new executive director influences European transport directives in upcoming committee sessions.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and organizational shifts, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
