Siemens Mobility Appoints Aglaja Schneider as UK & Ireland co-CEO to Steer £340M+ Investment and Rail Reform Era

Siemens Mobility has named Aglaja Schneider as its new Joint Chief Executive Officer for the UK and Ireland, a strategic appointment effective January 1, 2026, designed to navigate a period of profound industry transformation and oversee more than £340 million in key industrial investments. Schneider, a veteran of the company’s complex London Underground projects, will also serve as Managing Director for the Rolling Stock and Customer Services Division.

Siemens Mobility has announced a significant leadership transition for its UK and Ireland operations, appointing Aglaja Schneider to the role of Joint Chief Executive Officer. Effective January 1, 2026, she will succeed the retiring Sambit Banerjee, who concludes a distinguished career of over three decades with the Siemens Group. Schneider will join the existing UK & Ireland management team, working alongside Rob Morris (Joint CEO) and Marko Feulner (CFO and Chairman of the Board), to guide the company through a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement.

The appointment is backdropped by Siemens Mobility’s substantial capital commitment to its UK industrial footprint. The company is advancing a potential £240 million investment in its state-of-the-art Rail Village in Goole, East Yorkshire, where the UK’s first battery-powered bi-mode trains are being produced. A further £100 million is being invested in a new rail technology and R&D centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire, focused on digital signalling and control systems, set to open later this year. These major projects are complemented by the recent opening of a £6 million Multifunctional Centre at the Kings Heath depot in Northampton, which will serve as a hub for training the next generation of rail engineers.

Schneider’s appointment aligns with a broader trend of leadership renewal across the UK and Ireland’s engineering and infrastructure sectors heading into 2026, as major firms position themselves for future growth. Global consultancy Egis, for example, also appointed a new managing director for the UK and Ireland to integrate its teams across the region during the same period. For Siemens, Schneider’s deep experience, particularly as head of the London Deep Tube Upgrade program for the Piccadilly line, provides critical expertise as the UK rail industry moves towards the integrated model of Great British Railways. “It is a time that calls for bold thinking and close collaboration,” Schneider stated, emphasizing her commitment to working with partners to “transform rail transport for all.”

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Leadership: Aglaja Schneider, an internal leader with proven experience on major urban rail projects, is appointed to drive Siemens Mobility’s UK & Ireland strategy.
• Major Investment Cycle: The transition coincides with over £346 million in investments across manufacturing (Goole), R&D (Chippenham), and training (Northampton), signalling a long-term commitment to the UK market.
• Navigating Rail Reform: The new leadership team is positioned to navigate the complexities of UK rail reform and the establishment of Great British Railways, focusing on digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Editor’s Analysis

This is more than a standard executive appointment; it’s a strategic move by Siemens Mobility to align its leadership directly with the future of British and Irish rail. Placing Aglaja Schneider, an expert in delivering one of the UK’s most complex urban rolling stock and signalling upgrades, at the helm sends a clear message. The company is betting on a future defined by digitalisation, decarbonisation (via battery and bi-mode technology from Goole), and deep integration between infrastructure and operations—the core tenets of the Great British Railways vision. Schneider’s appointment ensures that the leadership has hands-on experience with the very challenges and opportunities the market is presenting, positioning Siemens not just as a supplier, but as a foundational partner in the UK’s next railway era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Aglaja Schneider?

Aglaja Schneider is the incoming Joint CEO for Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland and Managing Director for its Rolling Stock and Customer Services Division. She has extensive experience within Siemens, previously leading the London Deep Tube Upgrade program for the Piccadilly line.

What major investments is Siemens Mobility making in the UK?

Siemens Mobility is making several significant investments, including up to £240 million in its Goole Rail Village for train manufacturing, £100 million in a new signalling and technology centre in Chippenham, and £6 million in a training facility in Northampton.

Why is this leadership change significant for the UK rail industry?

The appointment is significant because it occurs during a period of major transformation in the UK rail sector, marked by the move to Great British Railways. Schneider’s expertise in complex projects aligns with the industry’s focus on technological upgrades, digitalisation, and integrating infrastructure with train operations.