France: Martin Sion assumed the role of Alstom CEO on 1 April, succeeding Henri Poupart-Lafarge. The Board of Directors approved the appointment in October 2025.
Sion brings over 30 years of aerospace experience, with no prior background in rail manufacturing. Since 2023, he served as CEO of French firm ArianeGroup, overseeing major projects including the Ariane 6 rocket development.
Poupart-Lafarge led Alstom since February 2016, when the company focused exclusively on the rail market. He previously headed the transport unit from 2011. Last May, he announced he would not seek a fourth term. According to the company’s press release, under his leadership, revenue grew from €6 bln to €18 bln, establishing it as a global rail market leader.
Sion joins Alstom at the completion of Bombardier Transportation integration, acquired five years ago in 2021. The combined company is now the world’s second-largest rolling stock manufacturer by revenue, but significantly trails leader CRRC. Alstom inherited many problematic assets and loss-making, difficult-to-execute contracts from Bombardier Transportation, which have been optimised in recent years. At the end of 2025, Alstom’s order book reached a record €100 bln.
