Správa železnic, the Czech state-owned railway infrastructure manager, has changed the composition of its senior management, with new appointments in infrastructure modernisation, network operability, human resources and communications.
The changes were presented by Tomáš Tóth, Director General of Správa železnic, and took effect immediately. They are part of a wider transformation of the organisation aimed at simplifying management, centralising selected activities, improving efficiency and strengthening public trust.
“Správa železnic is undergoing a significant transformation, and the changes in its management reflect that. I am presenting a team of people who share the vision of a modern, professionally managed company that is open and efficient,” said Tóth. “At the same time, I want to thank all colleagues whose mission at Správa železnic is coming to an end. At this moment, I must especially appreciate their professional and constructive approach.”
The new Deputy Director General for Railway Modernisation is Karel Švejda, who moves from the position of Deputy Director General for Operability. Správa železnic said he has experience in both investment and economic aspects of Czech railway modernisation. In his previous role, he was involved in the introduction of exclusive ETCS operation on hundreds of kilometres of main lines and in reducing prices in tenders for track reconstruction and repair works. He replaces Mojmír Nejezchleb.
Švejda’s former role will be taken over by Jiří Macho, who becomes Deputy Director General for Operability. Macho previously led the Ostrava Regional Directorate of Správa železnic and managed its merger with the Olomouc Regional Directorate. He was also involved in dealing with the consequences of the 2024 floods and coordinating the restoration of rail operations.
There are also changes in key internal departments. Aneta Miklášová becomes head of the Human Resources Department, replacing Pavel Koucký. Miklášová previously held the same position at ČD Cargo and is also linked to the establishment of the Železnice srdcem foundation fund, which supports railway workers’ families in difficult life situations.
In communications, Nela Eberl Friebová, currently head of the press department and spokesperson for Správa železnic, replaces Kateřina Matásková as head of the Communications Department. Dalibor Fajkus is leaving the leadership of Správa železniční telematiky.
The transformation under Tóth had already started in previous months. Since April, Správa železnic has changed its traffic management system, simplified its management structure and centralised selected activities, including the preparation of public procurement procedures. The organisation says this has allowed it to eliminate around 140 management positions, without affecting operational staff.
A major part of the new approach concerns public procurement. Správa železnic says greater openness towards suppliers, a more transparent environment and wider competition have led to noticeable price reductions in tenders in recent months. According to the organisation, these savings amount to hundreds of millions of Czech crowns, which are being returned to infrastructure modernisation.
The shift is also affecting the preparation of major investment projects. In high-speed rail, Správa železnic says it will now focus on a core network linking Czechia with neighbouring countries while also freeing capacity on existing lines. The infrastructure manager is also preparing to present a new medium-term plan for the rollout of ETCS and railway electrification.
