From Dismissal to Comeback? Waclawik in Talks to Rejoin ČD Cargo

According to market sources, Zbyszek Waclawik is expected to soon return to the leadership of ČD Cargo, the national rail freight operator. He was dismissed this April in connection with a restructuring process and a new commercial strategy.

The Czech railway sector is abuzz with speculation that Zbyszek Waclawik will imminently return to a senior position at ČD Cargo. Waclawik is one of the top railway managers who not only possesses the necessary know-how, but reportedly also political backing. Given that parliamentary elections will take place in the Czech Republic in October, changes in the management of state-owned enterprises are not expected to be long in coming.

Waclawik served as a member of the board responsible for commerce for nearly two and a half years. In light of the emerging rail freight crisis, it was a challenging period for top managers across all rail freight companies—a time when a new strategy for developing business opportunities and adapting to imminent changes was to be set.

Losses, Layoffs, and Strategy Gaps

ČD Cargo had long relied on established business models, such as the transport of traditional commodities like coal and timber. However, transport volumes for these commodities dropped so significantly that it resulted in financial losses, which, combined with other factors, contributed to the current financial state of the freight operator. ČD Cargo is also planning layoffs, with up to 700 jobs at risk.

Many competing companies sought alternative paths, including developing foreign expansion strategies. However, the activities of ČD Cargo’s commercial division under Waclawik’s leadership sometimes raised questions as to whether the company was sufficiently prepared for the changing market within the framework of its commercial strategy. Further questions arose regarding the implementation of foreign business expansion, specifically in connection with the unstable situation surrounding ČD Cargo’s subsidiary ČD Cargo Adria, which has long been a topic of discussion in railway circles.

Erosion of Long-Term Partnerships

The core strength of ČD Cargo has always been long-term business relationships. Companies that use the services of the national freight operator have typically been long-term partners. However, there is growing talk in the sector of fractures even within these long-standing relationships. According to editorial sources, these concerns involved unclear communication from ČD Cargo representatives with customers, including significant price increases and changes to agreed terms. These developments, particularly in the freight forwarding sector, reportedly led to widespread dissatisfaction among client companies, culminating in spring 2025.

During this period, the commercial division of ČD Cargo also saw several personnel changes. The most significant occurred in spring, when Zbyszek Waclawik was dismissed from the ČD Cargo board effective 1 April 2025. The main reason cited was the need to establish a new commercial strategy focused on enhancing ČD Cargo’s competitiveness. The vision for this business plan, as held by the ČD Cargo leadership, reportedly differed fundamentally from that of Zbyszek Waclawik.

Official Response and Interim Management

"This change comes at a critical time when ČD Cargo must adapt to the dynamic developments in the domestic and international rail freight market. Strengthening the company’s economic stability and initiating restructuring are key steps to ensuring ČD Cargo’s long-term competitiveness in this sector," said ČD Group spokesperson Filip Medelský, commenting on Waclawik’s dismissal.

After Waclawik’s departure, Robert Heděnec was appointed as board member responsible for commerce. He had previously served as Chief Financial Officer of ČD Cargo. The senior leadership of the national operator also became intensively involved in shaping the new commercial strategy and is currently temporarily performing the activities of the commercial division. Chairman of the ČD Cargo board, Tomáš Tóth, is also active in these efforts.

Waclawik: No Offer on the Table—Yet

Waclawik himself, contacted by RAILTARGET regarding rumours that he is the top candidate for a board seat at ČD Cargo, stated that the situation ČD Cargo currently faces is far from simple and that the management has a great deal of work ahead. "This offer is not on the table at the moment," Waclawik denied the market rumours, adding that he definitely wishes to return to the rail sector. At present, however, he must comply with a non-compete clause. He will consider the next steps in his career only after it expires.

Source: RAILTARGET