Jean Castex Officially Appointed CEO of SNCF Amid New Challenges

Jean Castex has been officially appointed as the new CEO of SNCF following a parliamentary vote on October 22, 2025. He secured 60 favorable votes out of 83 in the sustainable development commissions of both the National Assembly and the Senate. This appointment follows President Emmanuel Macron's nomination of Castex at the end of September, overcoming previous delays linked to governmental instability. Castex succeeds Jean-Pierre Farandou, who stepped down after reaching the age limit of 68.

At 60, Castex brings a longstanding passion for trains, having previously sought the position six years ago. During his initial hearing before the Senate's Sustainable Development Commission, he emphasized plans to tackle the aging French rail infrastructure by improving infrastructure and introducing new rolling stock. He also highlighted the pressing challenges posed by climate change, such as flooding and increasing temperatures, which adversely affect train operations.

Additionally, Castex expressed concern over rising competition in the high-speed rail market, notably from Italian company Trenitalia aiming to expand its presence in France and across Europe. This leadership change comes at a critical time as SNCF faces infrastructural and environmental challenges amid evolving transportation markets.

Jean Castex’s mandate clearly focuses on modernizing the French rail networks and navigating the company through intensified regional competition while addressing climate-related impacts on rail infrastructure.