Alberto Mazzola Became CER Executive Director
The rail industry leader assumed the role in January 2021 after a long career in infrastructure and transport.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
Alberto Mazzola officially took over as Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) in January 2021. He succeeded Libor Lochman, who had served in the position since 2011.
Why it matters
Mazzola brings decades of experience to the role, having spent years navigating the complex European transport and energy policy landscapes before leading the industry group.
Mazzola held a Vice-President role at the European Economic and Social Committee from 2015 to 2020. He also previously spent 14 years at Leonardo Finmeccanica and joined Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane in 2002.
The players
Alberto Mazzola
He is the Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies.
Libor Lochman
He is the former Executive Director of CER who held the leadership position from 2011 until 2021.
Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies
This organization represents the interests of European railway and infrastructure operators in Brussels.
The details
Mazzola holds a Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering and an MBA from the Politecnico of Milan. His background includes extensive service in Brussels, where he managed energy and transport-related interests for several years.
Timeline
Mazzola worked for Leonardo Finmeccanica between 1988 and 2002.
Mazzola joined Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane in 2002.
Libor Lochman began his term as Executive Director in 2011.
Mazzola served in European committee leadership from 2015 to September 2020.
Alberto Mazzola started his tenure as CER Executive Director in January 2021.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition mirrors the movement of veteran infrastructure executives into influential policy roles within the European rail sector. Mazzola’s appointment helps the CER maintain deep institutional ties to existing regulatory frameworks.
The leadership change signifies a shift in how the railway industry engages with EU regulatory bodies. Customers and stakeholders should expect continued advocacy for rail infrastructure and policy developments in the coming years.
The takeaway
Mazzola brings a highly technical background in nuclear engineering and business management to the rail industry's top advocacy role. This transition underscores the importance of deep policy expertise for organizations navigating complex European transport mandates.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
