ERA Management Board selects Oana Gherghinescu as future ERA Executive Director

Holding a doctorate in international economics, Oana Gherghinescu is an accomplished leader with over 22 years of experience, including 11 years of dedicated service within ERA, and 13 years in leadership roles. Recognised for her strong leadership, strategic mindset, and ability to drive impactful change, Oana Gherghinescu has played a pivotal role in shaping ERA’s success over the past decade, and she brings a deep institutional knowledge and a visionary approach to the Agency’s future. Her expertise in international project management and sustainable development, combined with her commitment to innovation, makes her a great fit to lead ERA into the next chapter. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Mrs Gherghinescu as Executive Director to the Agency”, said Ms Paloma Iribas Forcat, Chair of the ERA Management Board. "Continuing on from her work as Head of the Executive Office, Mrs Gherghinescu's diverse skill set and extensive experience continue to contribute significantly to the railway safety and interoperability within the European Union, and we are confident that she will drive our mission forward." 

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism stated: "Oana Gherghinescu’s strategic vision and extensive experience within ERA makes her the right leader to drive the Agency forward. Her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to innovation will help advance rail safety, digitalisation, and the Single European Railway Area."

"Very honoured to be elected as the next Executive Director for a faster, smarter, and stronger ERA and EU rail system! Challenging times ahead, but together with all the stakeholders, we can turn them into meaningful opportunities!’, said Oana Gherghinescu

The Management Board selection process was concluded in Lille on 19 March 2025. The next step is for the selected candidate to make a presentation to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN). This is currently expected to take place on 9 April 2025, and their appointment as Executive Director will follow. The actual start date remains to be confirmed. 

Until the procedure is formally completed, and the new Executive Director assumes office, Mr Pio Guido will continue to serve as Acting Executive Director. Mr Guido took over as head of the Agency on 1 January 2025, ensuring the continuity after Mr Josef Doppelbauer vacated the function of Executive Director on 31 December 2024 when his 10-year mandate expired.

_{Photo taken on 19 March 2025, during the 68th Management Board meeting of ERA in Lille, France.} 

_{From left to right:} 

• _{Ms Paloma Iribas Forcat, Chair of the ERA Management Board.}
• _{Ms Oana Gherghinescu, selected Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways.}
• _{Ms Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission.}