Leo Express Global has announced the appointment of Inmaculada Gutiérrez Carrizo as the new chair of its Board of Directors. Carrizo, currently the general manager of Renfe Proyectos Internacionales in the Renfe Group, will lead the board, following Renfe's acquisition of a major share in Leo Express in 2021.
With over 30 years of experience as an economist, Carrizo has an extensive background in both public sector roles and private consultancy. She has held various management positions within the Public Administration, focusing on economic regulation, competition, and market liberalization.
Carrizo has been instrumental in Renfe's strategic decision to enter the capital of the private Czech operator, Leo Express, in December 2021. This acquisition aimed to strengthen Renfe's position in Central Europe and leverage the operational licenses and local experience of Leo Express for short-term growth in the region.
Operating under the brand "Leo Express, Powered by Renfe," the collaboration has seen the Spanish group involved in both commercial and public services across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine. The operation covers approximately 5 million train-kilometers annually, serving over 3 million customers.
Leo Express has seen interesting financial performance since Renfe became its main shareholder. In 2023, the company reported revenues of EUR 24.4 million, serving more than 1.7 million customers. Projections for 2024 anticipate revenues reaching EUR 40 million, with around 3.5 million customers. The company's EBITDAR for 2023 was more than EUR 5.7 million, a 175% increase from the previous year, and a profit of EUR 165,000 compared to a loss of EUR 124,000 in 2022.
A key highlight of 2023 was the preparation and launch of a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) service in the Danube region, specifically the Bratislava-Komárno connection in Slovakia. This service began in December 2023, featuring 21 new diesel Alstom Coradia Lint units as part of a PSO contract with the Slovak Ministry of Transport. Renfe's involvement has significantly supported the development of this route, which is expected to nearly double Leo Express's activity in the current financial year.
