Lithuanian Railways CEO Lazauskas steps down

VILNIUS, Apr 10, BNS - Egidijus Lazauskas is stepping down as chief executive of Lithuanian state-owned rail operator Lithuanian Railways.

Lazauskas is leaving by mutual agreement, with Friday marking his final day in the role.

Lazauskas has led Lithuanian Railways since mid-2022 and was scheduled to remain in the post until June 2027.

Lithuanian Railways Board Chairman Robertas Vysniauskas stated that the group is entering a new phase of development, focusing on strengthening its role in resilience and defence following changes in the security environment.

Until a permanent successor is appointed, Chief Financial Officer Arunas Rumskas will serve as acting CEO, while some functions will be assumed by Strategy and Business Development Director Vytautas Radzevicius.

Vysniauskas noted that the shifting security landscape has dictated a clear priority: to bolster Lithuanian Railways' role in national resilience and defence while expanding operations that create long-term value for the state and society.

In a statement, Lazauskas said he did not intend to seek another term after his current mandate. He noted that under his leadership, LTG grew and implemented significant reforms.

According to Lithuanian Railways, a competition for a new CEO will be announced shortly. The director general is appointed and dismissed by the Lithuanian Railways board.

Lazauskas replaced Mantas Bartuska in June 2022. Bartuska was dismissed in January of that year in an effort to de-escalate tensions surrounding the continued transit of Belaruskali fertilisers through Lithuania. Lazauskas served as interim head from January to June.

He has worked within the Lithuanian Railways group since 2017, initially heading the Freight Transport Directorate before taking charge of Lithuanian Railways Cargo in 2019.