Kitija Gruškevica appointed as a Board Member at RB Rail AS

On 8 December 2023, the Rail Baltica joint venture RB Rail AS announced a change in the Management Board. Kitija Gruškevica, currently the Head of the Branch in Latvia, has been appointed as a Board Member effective from 18 December 2023. Anri Leimanis, who has assumed the role of Chief ESG Officer and previously served as a Supervisory Board member, will be departing the company to pursue new professional endeavors.

"I extend my gratitude to Mr. Leimanis, who, in his numerous roles in the Rail Baltica megaproject, has contributed to corporate governance matters and supported the work of the Supervisory Board and, for the last year, as a member of the Management Board of RB Rail AS. Under his leadership, a framework for ESG activities has been created, improvements have been made to the working formats with the project’s closest stakeholders, and final steps are being taken to complete the project delivery set-up and program management plans, ensuring we meet the commitments made and have a fully operational cross-border railway line built by 2030. On behalf of the Rail Baltica team, I wish Mr. Leimanis success in his further professional journey," said Ligita Austrupe, Chairwoman of the RB Rail AS Supervisory Board. 

Kitija Gruškevica is a seasoned board member and project manager, possessing extensive expertise in the real estate development sector, as well as in planning and managing infrastructure and construction projects. Her proficiency also extends to crisis and change management, strategic planning, and finance. Joining RB Rail AS in late 2021 as the Head of Branch in Latvia, she has, during her tenure under the current mandate, demonstrated a commendable track record in strategic stakeholder management. Her contributions include expediting works with designs in Latvia, securing financing for matured projects, and actively participating in initiatives to amend local legislation, thereby accelerating Rail Baltica works in Latvia.

“Given the challenging phase of the project, I wish Ms. Gruškevica a successful transition to her new role, contributing to project delivery, and also representing and strengthening Latvia’s position in the project," said L. Austrupe.

RB Rail AS Management Board is comprised of six members – Chairperson of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Chief Programme Management Officer (CPMO), Chief ESG Officer (CESGO), Chief Procurement Officer (CPO).

About Rail Baltica 

Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed infrastructure projects, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable rail link that connects the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the European rail network. It is also a part of the trans-European transport corridor.

Rail Baltica will be a fully electrified, double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) and designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will significantly reduce travel times between the Baltic States and major European cities. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Additionally, the project will enhance the Baltic region's position as a vital transit hub, fostering stronger trade connections and promoting regional cooperation.

About RB Rail AS 

RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project, the first infrastructure development project of this scale in the Baltic region. More about Rail Baltica global project: www.railbaltica.org