Rail Europe has officially entered a new chapter in its corporate history following its recent acquisition by the global multimodal travel leader, Omio Group. In conjunction with this strategic move, the company has announced a significant leadership transition, with long-standing CEO and Executive Chairman Björn Bender stepping down from his role, effective immediately.
Bender’s departure marks the end of a transformative four-year tenure. Since taking the helm in 2022 following the company’s acquisition by Hivest Capital and Bpifrance, Bender successfully steered Rail Europe toward full independence. Under his guidance, the organization underwent a comprehensive overhaul, bolstering its technological infrastructure, expanding its global footprint, and cementing its status as a premier distributor of European rail travel. Today, the platform stands as a pillar of the industry, facilitating travel for four million passengers annually while managing a vast network of 250 rail operators and a partnership ecosystem of 25,000 global travel sellers.
Reflecting on his time with the company, Bender expressed his pride in the organization’s evolution. “It has been a real privilege to lead Rail Europe over the past four years,” he said. “Together with an incredible team, we transformed Rail Europe into an independent business and built a unique position in the global rail industry.”
Stepping into the leadership vacuum is Jean-Francois Bessiron, who will serve as President of Rail Europe while concurrently maintaining his role as Chief B2B Officer for Omio Group. Bessiron is tasked with overseeing the critical integration phase, leveraging Omio’s extensive technology suite and multimodal inventory to enhance Rail Europe’s existing capabilities.
To ensure stability during this transition, the company has announced the return of Dau-Khoi Nguyen as Chief Operating Officer. Nguyen, who previously served as Rail Europe’s CEO from 2018 to 2022, brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and familiarity with the company’s complex operating model. Reporting directly to Bessiron, Nguyen will focus on day-to-day operations and maintaining continuity for the firm’s international partners and travelers.
Omio Group finalized the acquisition in late July 2026, following the completion of a mandatory consultation process in France. Despite the shift in corporate structure, Rail Europe has confirmed that it will continue to operate under its well-established brand identity, ensuring a seamless experience for its B2B partners and individual travelers alike.
Bessiron praised the outgoing CEO’s legacy, noting that Bender’s contributions have provided the company with “solid foundations for its next phase of growth.” With the integration into Omio Group now underway, the new leadership team is positioned to capitalize on these foundations, aiming to harmonize Rail Europe’s rail-specific expertise with the broader travel capabilities of its new parent company.
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