Government Appoints Álvaro Fernández Heredia as New Renfe President

The Spanish government has officially announced the appointment of Álvaro Fernández Heredia as the new president of Renfe, following the departure of Raül Blanco. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, with the proposal coming from the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente.

Álvaro Fernández Heredia, who previously served as the Secretary General of Sustainable Mobility, will now lead Renfe as it faces significant challenges, including increased competition from new operators such as Iryo and Ouigo. His predecessor, Raül Blanco, resigned last week citing personal reasons after overseeing a series of technical difficulties within the company, including a major incident on January 1 that resulted in the suspension of the entire Talgo Avril fleet for a day.

Fernández Heredia's appointment comes with the expectation that he will enhance Renfe's operations and international presence, drawing inspiration from Aena's successful management model, which oversees nearly 90 airports across Spain and abroad. Minister Puente emphasized the need for Renfe to function effectively as a transport company, aiming for a more streamlined management approach.

Despite the operational challenges faced by Renfe in 2024, the company has made strides in improving its financial situation. Losses decreased from EUR123.4 million in 2023 to approximately EUR20 million last year, indicating a potential turnaround under new leadership.

Fernández Heredia holds a degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in Roads, Channels, and Ports, and has a doctorate in Transport Infrastructure from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. With over two decades of experience in the transport sector, he has held various roles in consultancy, research, and academia. His previous positions include management roles in the Municipal Transport Company of Madrid and Urban Buses of Valladolid, as well as being a member of several transport advisory committees.

In addition to Fernández Heredia's appointment, the government has also designated Sara Hernández del Olmo as the new Secretary General of Sustainable Mobility. She brings over 15 years of experience in transport planning and logistics, having previously worked with Deloitte and as a researcher at TRANSyT, a leading transport research center. Hernández del Olmo aims to build on existing policies promoting sustainable transport and public transportation usage.

Both Fernández Heredia and Hernández del Olmo are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of transportation in Spain, focusing on sustainability and efficiency.