The UIC chair appointment for the 2026-27 term has been confirmed, with Yuji Fukasawa, chairman of East Japan Railways (JR East), elected to lead the International Union of Railways (UIC), as reported by Rail Journal. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of Italian State Railways (FS), has been elected as vice-chair.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

UIC chair appointment: Yuji Fukasawa elected for 2026-27
Photo: UIC

Fukasawa has more than four decades of experience in the rail industry. He joined Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1978, later becoming president and CEO of JR East in 2018, before moving into the chairman role in 2024.

Don’t miss…Sound Transit light rail extension to Federal Way opens

UIC chair appointment highlights Fukasawa’s decarbonisation focus

UIC described Fukasawa as a vocal advocate for decarbonisation. At JR East, he has backed clean energy investment projects, including pioneering applications of hydrogen, alongside other initiatives aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions across rail operations.

International projects and rail skills development

Beyond JR East, Fukasawa has contributed significantly to major international projects, including the Mumbai – Ahmedabad high-speed line in India. UIC also said he has consistently supported the development of rail skills through comprehensive training programmes in operations, maintenance and customer service, while promoting a strong safety culture throughout JR East.

Leadership changes at UIC

Fukasawa succeeds Dr Alan Beroud, CEO of Polish State Railways (PKP), as UIC chair. Donnarumma, who was appointed FS CEO in June 2024, succeeds Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), as vice-chair, according to an FS Group press release.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…BEML driverless metro trainset debuts for Phase-2 corridors

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit