Alstom appoints Martin Sion as CEO succeeding Henri Poupart-Lafarge

Global mobility major Alstom has announced the appointment of Martin Sion as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, succeeding Henri Poupart-Lafarge, who has chosen not to seek another term after leading the company for nearly a decade.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it continues to expand its role in sustainable and smart mobility solutions worldwide.

During his tenure, Poupart-Lafarge played a defining role in reshaping Alstom’s global position in the rail industry. Since taking over in 2016, he oversaw a period of sustained growth, with revenues rising from approximately €6 billion to €18.5 billion, alongside industry-leading profitability.

A key milestone under his leadership was the successful integration of Bombardier Transportation, a move that significantly strengthened Alstom’s scale, capabilities, and competitiveness in the global rail market. The company also expanded its product portfolio and built strong partnerships across regions, reinforcing its leadership in the sector.

The Board of Directors expressed its gratitude for Poupart-Lafarge’s “long-term vision and unwavering dedication,” noting that his leadership has positioned the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

Sion joins Alstom with extensive experience in industrial leadership, most recently serving as CEO of ArianeGroup. His appointment signals a continued focus on execution, innovation, and growth.

Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman of Alstom’s Board, welcomed the new CEO, expressing confidence in Sion’s ability to drive the company’s next phase. 

“Martin brings a wealth of experience, and we are confident he will further strengthen Alstom’s execution capabilities and deliver on its ambitions,” he said.

Sion, in his first statement as CEO, highlighted the company’s strategic direction and purpose. “I am extremely honored to join Alstom and look forward to working with the talented teams to advance the decarbonisation of transport and deliver innovative mobility solutions worldwide,” he said, while also acknowledging the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.

With Sion at the helm, Alstom is expected to continue its momentum in sustainable transport, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and global expansion in an increasingly competitive mobility landscape.