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Castex removes SNCF Voyageurs head to preserve state railway unity
Christophe Fanichet dismissed as SNCF Voyageurs president; role split amid strategic differences over competition and group cohesion.
Main source: Castex ousts head of SNCF Voyageurs to defend ‘unity’ of the state railway · By Rail Post Desk
Christophe Fanichet has been removed from his position as President of SNCF Voyageurs by Jean Castex, President of the national railway group, according to railwaygazette.com.
Fanichet had led the passenger arm of the state railway since its creation in 2019. His dismissal, announced on July 21, signals a potential shift in strategy for the group.
Castex, a former French Prime Minister, stated he wanted ‘a lighter, more decentralised organisation, yet closer to the holding company, to increase coherence and efficiency’.
A new business plan is to be drafted for implementation in early 2027 after stakeholder consultation. The plan aims ‘to stimulate a new dynamic and new strategic direction’ to meet future challenges, building on the solid results achieved under Fanichet’s leadership.
Le Monde reported that ‘strategic differences’ had emerged between Castex and Fanichet since Castex took office at the end of last year.
The SNCF President’s cautious approach to competition contrasts sharply with Fanichet’s proactive stance, outlined in his Destination 2030 policy. That policy was designed to prepare SNCF Voyageurs for the emerging era of domestic on-rail competition. Castex reportedly believed this approach was undermining the group’s unity.
The role previously held by Fanichet has been split. Laurent Trevisani has been appointed President of SNCF Voyageurs, and Jean-Aimé Mougenot serves as Managing Director. Each retains their existing responsibilities: Trevisani leads on strategy and finance, while Mougenot manages the TER regional passenger business. They are supported by Alain Krakovitch and Karine Dussert-Sarthe as Deputy CEOs, tasked with developing a new path for SNCF Voyageurs focused on ‘unity of the group’.
Fanichet was the architect of the Destination 2030 plan, which trade unions strongly opposed as a ‘fragmentation’ of the SNCF entity. Under the strategy, semi-autonomous subsidiaries were created to bid for operating contracts, with staff gradually transferred to less favourable pay and conditions at devolved business units. These changes were regarded as a major factor contributing to a wave of industrial action across the network in June.