Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler will install Philipp Brunner as group CEO on Jan. 1, 2027, succeeding Markus Bernsteiner, who has run group operations since 2023. Brunner heads Stadler's Central Europe and Germany divisions and has spent 16 years with the company.

"I would like to thank Peter Spuhler and Stadler for 27 years of outstanding collaboration. Stadler will always be a part of me. I now wish to pass on my operational experience as a board member in other companies," Bernsteiner said.

Who is Brunner?

Brunner, who joined Stadler in 2010, started as a project manager in India and later established Stadler's maintenance operation in Algeria in 2011. He led construction of the greenfield site in Minsk in 2012, then ran Stadler Minsk as CEO from 2016. As divisional head, he oversees three sites and more than 2,600 employees in Central Europe and Germany, where he drove efficiency measures at the Berlin plant.

He studied business administration at the University of St. Gallen and holds an MBA from ETH Zurich. His earlier career included UBS and consumer goods roles.

"I am very much looking forward to this new role as Group CEO, to working with Peter Spuhler and the entire board of directors, as well as with my colleagues on the Group Executive Board and our 18,000 employees. Stadler is a labor of love for me, and it is a great honor and pleasure to lead Stadler sustainably on this path to success," Brunner said.

What does HNTB's new president bring to clients?

Engineering firm HNTB has hired Phillip Washington as president of strategy and client service, markets and services, and senior vice president. Washington most recently served as CEO of Denver International Airport, where he ran a multibillion-dollar capital improvement programme. Before that, he was CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and CEO of Denver's Regional Transportation District, where he delivered the FasTracks expansion and the Union Station redevelopment.

"Phil is one of the most respected and influential leaders in transportation," said HNTB President of Markets and Services Mike Inabinet. "His successful track record of leading organizations, shaping policies and building lasting relationships across our industry will help advance client programs while bringing valuable perspective on the ideas, innovations and investments shaping the future of transportation."

Washington received APTA's Outstanding Public Transportation CEO award, chaired APTA from 2014 to 2015, and was inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame in 2023.

Who runs Keolis' East Valley contract from now?

Keolis North America has appointed Antoine Lequeux vice president and general manager of its Valley Metro operations in the East Valley, covering Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. Lequeux moves from Orléans, France, where he ran the TAO network: two tram lines, 40 bus routes, on-demand services and 700 free-floating bicycles. He succeeds Paul D'Alessio.

Keolis began operating Valley Metro's East Valley fixed-route bus service in January 2024, and the agency extended the contract through 2030 in 2025.

"Antoine brings a valuable combination of international transit experience, operational leadership and deep understanding of the Keolis business," said Keolis U.S. Transit President and COO Fadi Chakbazof. "We look forward to the experience he will bring to this important operation."

Who replaces the retiring Condon at Wabtec?

Wabtec Bus Solutions will lose vice president of sales and marketing for North America John Condon to retirement at the end of December after 37 years. Justin Millikan takes the seat, with more than 25 years in transit and nearly 14 at Wabtec. Millikan will lead Sales and Service, Customer Service and Pricing, Business Development and Marketing. Wabtec credited Millikan with strengthening its North American transit bus position.

Brunner's Jan. 1, 2027 start date will leave Bernsteiner at the helm through the end of 2026, completing the leadership change announced this quarter.