Sweeping changes to Argentina’s top railway management

The government has appointed new presidents of the national passenger operator and infrastructure manager.

Gerardo Boschin (left) and Leonardo Fabián Comperatore.

Photo Credit: Argentina’s Ministry of the Economy

THE Transport Secretariat of Argentina’s Ministry of the Economy has confirmed changes to the top management of national passenger operator Argentinian Train Operations and infrastructure manager Argentinian Trains Infrastructure as the country enters the next phase of its Railway Emergency programme.

Gerardo Boschin has been appointed the new president of Argentinian Train Operations. He previously served as administration and finance manager of the state-owned Argentine Satellite Solutions Company (Arsat). He also has more the 20 years of private sector experience, according to the statement confirming his appointment. He replaces Matías Galparsoro, who was appointed in July 2024.

Leonardo Fabián Comperatore has been appointed as president of Argentinian Trains Infrastructure. He is a lawyer and also joins from Arsat where he served as manager of institutional relations. Comperatore possesses more than 30 years’ experience of public office. He replaces Marcelo Krajzelman, who was appointed in April 2024.

Galparsoro and Krajzelman oversaw the first phase of the Railway Emergency programme, which is attempting to improve operational safety. It has also included the transition of both Argentinian Trains Operations and Argentinian Trains Infrastructure into public limited companies, although they remain 100% owned by the federal government. The move is thought to be a precursor to privatisation of Argentinian Trains Operations.

The ministry says the appointments mark the start of a new phase where management will focus on introducing improvements that will help to reduce public spending on rail, while optimising the allocation of resources to meet the network’s most pressing needs.

Neither Boschin or Comperatore possess any direct railway experience, and the ministry says that Galparsoro and Krajzelman will continue to work for both companies, contributing their knowledge and experience.

Local media have pointed out that Boschin and Comperatore both hail from Mendoza, the same state as transport secretary, Luis Perrini, who was appointed in May.