The European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) announces leadership transition as Dirk Stahl formally hands over the presidency to Maciej Gladyga. This transition marks both continuity and renewal for the association as it navigates a rapidly changing European rail freight landscape.
During his tenure, Dirk Stahl reinforced ERFA’s position as a leading stakeholder and advocate for competitive and market-driven rail freight in Europe. Under his guidance, the association played a key role in shaping EU policy discussions.
In parallel to his commitment and dedication to the work of ERFA, Dirk acted as CEO of BLS Cargo, where he was instrumental in improving cross-border rail freight transport and promoting the use of rail freight corridors. His rich expertise spans regulatory affairs, market liberalisation, and operational development in European rail freight.
Reflecting on his time as ERFA President, Dirk Stahl said: “It has been a pleasure and an honor to lead ERFA over the last 6 years. This period has been marked on the one hand by major global disruptions such as Coronavirus pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine with major impact on rail freight and on the other hand by significant discussions and decisions of EU Regulations on Rail Freight. I am proud that ERFA has played a decisive role in shaping key decisions regarding Track Access Charges, State Aid, TEN – T Corridors and Capacity Regulation. I will give full support to my successor Maciej Gladyga, who also has a long experience in the ERFA Board.”
Dirk will remain active as member of the ERFA Board of Directors and as its vice-president.
Maciej Gladyga is the Managing Director of the Land Transport Chamber of Commerce in Poland (IGTL), where for the past 10 years he has been overseeing all core activities of the organization. He is an engineering graduate of Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Spatial Planning) and a postgraduate in project management at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. Maciej brings extensive knowledge and experience in European affairs, rail sector governance and strategy development in both national and international coordination.
He worked at the Polish ministry responsible for transport, where he served, among other roles, as Deputy Director of the Department of European Funds and Deputy Director of the Department of Rail Transport. He was responsible for the implementation and financing of investments, development strategy, passenger rail transport, as well as international and EU affairs. His responsibilities also included chairing the Executive Boards of Freight Corridors crossing the territory of Poland and negotiating the Fourth Railway Package. Maciej has been a member of the ERFA Board of Directors since April 2018, and he was elected a Vice President in November 2019.
Upon accepting his new role at ERFA’s President, Maciej said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dirk for his outstanding leadership over the past six years. Taking over the baton in this presidential relay is both a great honor and a responsibility, and I am deeply grateful to the Board for their trust. We are operating in increasingly complex and turbulent times. Geopolitical tensions and shifting economic conditions are reshaping the environment in which rail operates. At the same time, long-standing structural issues within the sector remain unresolved and require urgent decisive action. ERFA must continue to be a strong, forward-looking and cooperative voice. I am committed to ensuring that the energy, expertise and innovative capacity of our members are effectively represented and translated into tangible impact across all European and national forums in which we are engaged.”
As it enters a new chapter, ERFA looks ahead to represent, connect and strengthen its Members and build a strong sense of cooperation and coordination among the different stakeholders of the rail freight sector.
About ERFA
The European Rail Freight Association represents private and independent rail freight companies and advocates for fair competition and non-discriminatory market access within the European rail sector.
