Executive Director
The Executive Director is the legal representative of the Agency and is responsible for the administrative management of the Agency and for the implementation of tasks assigned to it under the ERA Regulation.
Biography
"Let us work better together to make a smarter, faster and stronger ERA for rail."
As of 1 June 2025, Oana Gherghinescu serves as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), bringing with her more than 11 years of dedicated service and leadership within the Agency. Her appointment reflects a deep commitment to advancing safe, seamless, and future-ready rail transport across Europe.
Ms. Gherghinescu, a Romanian national, holds a BSc in Economics, an MSc in Business Administration, and a PhD in International Economics from the University of Craiova. Prior to joining ERA, she held various positions in strategic and operational management, with a strong focus on the implementation of European Union policies and programmes.
Her leadership focuses on enabling smooth and interoperable movement of passengers and goods across borders, with particular emphasis on ensuring the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the development of high-speed rail, and the adaptability of the sector in times of crisis.
Her approach emphasises close cooperation with Member States to understand operational realities on the ground and strengthen rail safety through shared learning and mutual trust.
Ms. Gherghinescu is a strong advocate for the long-term competitiveness of the rail sector through regulatory stability, the optimisation of technical specifications, and the smart uptake of new technologies. She is committed to delivering ERA’s core responsibilities efficiently, ensuring that processes are streamlined.
As Executive Director, Oana Gherghinescu leads with a people-focused mindset and a clear vision for a resilient, efficient, and integrated Single European Railway Area.
Should you wish to contact Oana Gherghinescu, we kindly invite you to consult our Media Centre page.
On Track with the Director
On Track with the Director offers a personal window into the thoughts, insights, and takeaways of Oana Gherghinescu. This page brings together a curated selection of her posts originally shared on her personal LinkedIn account - and occasionally on the Agency’s - to give these messages both greater visibility and a longer life beyond the pace of social media.
It’s also a space where Oana can speak directly with ERA’s partners and with rail enthusiasts everywhere. More than a formal update channel, it reflects her own perspective - the moments, ideas, and experiences she feels are worth sharing as we advance the rail system together.
Press release
Press Release - Oana Gherghinescu officially takes up duties as Executive Director of the EU Agency for Railways
English (240.51 KB - PDF)