Martin Sion CEO appointment at Alstom takes effect today, April 1, 2026, as the French rail company confirmed the leadership transition. Sion succeeds Henri Poupart-Lafarge, who led the company for a decade and chose not to seek a further term.
A Decade of Growth Under Outgoing CEO
Henri Poupart-Lafarge served as CEO since 2016, during which Alstom’s revenues grew from approximately €6 billion to €18.5 billion. The company also achieved profitability levels among the highest in the rail sector during his tenure.
The acquisition and integration of Bombardier Transportation expanded Alstom’s scale and competitive position in global rail transportation. The company now operates in 63 countries with a workforce of over 86,000 employees from 184 nationalities.
Board Acknowledges Outgoing Leadership
Alstom’s Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Poupart-Lafarge’s contributions. Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman of Alstom’s Board of Directors, addressed the transition directly.
“We are delighted to welcome Martin Sion as our new CEO. Martin brings a wealth of experience in industrial leadership, most recently as CEO of ArianeGroup. We are confident that Martin will further reinforce Alstom’s execution capabilities and lead the company forward to realize the ambitions set. I would like to thank Henri Poupart-Lafarge for his long term vision and commitment to making Alstom the leader it is today.”
Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman, Alstom Board of Directors
Martin Sion CEO: Background and Priorities
Martin Sion most recently served as CEO of ArianeGroup, the European aerospace and defense company. His appointment brings industrial leadership experience to Alstom at a time when the company is focused on execution and delivery.
Sion outlined his priorities in a statement following the appointment, focusing on decarbonization and sustainable mobility solutions across global markets.
“I am extremely honored to join Alstom and look forward to working with the talented teams to advance the decarbonisation of transport and deliver mobility solutions worldwide. I thank Henri for his leadership and for laying solid foundations, including building a capable leadership team that will enable Alstom’s continued success.”
Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer, Alstom
Alstom’s Financial Position and Global Footprint
Alstom reported sales of €18.5 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The company’s product portfolio spans high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, signalling, and digital mobility solutions.
The company is listed on the French stock exchange and maintains a presence across 63 countries. Its broad portfolio positions it as one of the largest rail transportation companies globally, serving both public and private sector clients.
Outlook Under New Leadership
Sion’s appointment comes as the global rail sector faces growing demand driven by urbanization and the push to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. Alstom’s board indicated confidence in the company’s strategic direction under the new CEO.
The transition also reflects a broader trend in the automotive and mobility industry, where leadership continuity and execution capability are increasingly prioritized by major infrastructure companies. Alstom’s next strategic milestones are expected to be outlined by Sion in the coming months.
