Axel Sondermann’s Career: Navigating Global Infrastructure and Intercultural Collaboration at DB Engineering & Consulting

Axel Sondermann’s professional journey is a reflection of passion, adaptability, and strategic thinking. With over 25 years of experience across consulting and leadership roles in the rail and bus industries, he embodies a unique combination of business acumen and operational expertise. As Executive Director Consulting at DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C), a subsidiary of DB E.C.O. Group, he has leveraged his wide-ranging experience to lead critical projects across the globe, contributing to both national and international infrastructure.

From Commerce to Consulting: A Journey of Strategic Growth

Mr. Sondermann’s career began not in engineering, but in commerce and business administration. His path has been marked by a constant blend of advisory roles and executive leadership positions, both at Deutsche Bahn and in other organizations across Germany and internationally. This diverse background has given him a holistic view of the transportation and infrastructure sectors.

“In my current role at DB E&C, I get to bring together my consulting skills with hands-on operational experience in mobility,” he reflects. “This mix of competencies is what allows me to thrive, especially given the range of projects we manage globally.”

A Global Stage for Infrastructure and Innovation

Working at DB E.C.O. Group has provided Sondermann with the opportunity to operate on a much larger stage, a step up from his earlier roles in Germany. The group’s comprehensive approach to the value chain is something that distinguishes it from others in the sector.

“At DB E.C.O., we’re involved in the entire value chain of transport systems—not just operations, but also the infrastructure behind it. Many transport companies separate these roles, but here, we manage everything under one roof,” he explains.

In addition to the integrated operations, Axel thrives on the global aspect of his work. “Previously, my geographical scope was much narrower. Now, I get to work internationally, managing projects from Eurasia to Africa and the U.S. This exposure, paired with a focus on digital and green transformation, is what makes our consulting work truly exciting.”

Balancing Digitalization, Sustainability, and Economic Viability

In his extensive career, Axel Sondermann has seen many trends come and go, but he emphasizes that economic viability has always been at the core of his work. He acknowledges the transformative power of digitalization and sustainability but is also quick to note that they must be balanced with financial considerations.

“What has guided my work throughout the years is the focus on maximizing value with limited resources. While digitalization and sustainability are big trends, the key is to ensure that we’re building systems that are economically stable in the long run,” Axel states.

The Skills Behind Consulting Success

For Sondermann, the key to success in consulting lies in a combination of analytical thinking, communication, and adaptability. He highlights the importance of language skills, particularly English, and values candidates who are not only competent in mobility and logistics but also possess strong intercultural competence.

“Our projects are often global, and that means we need consultants who can operate in a wide range of cultural environments. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to thriving in these diverse settings,” he says. Axel also emphasizes the need for travel, especially for on-site projects. While remote tools have become more advanced, personal interactions remain essential to achieving the best outcomes in complex projects.

A Defining Moment: Transforming Kazakhstan Railways

Sondermann recalls one project that had a profound impact on him: the modernization of the Kazakh railway system. This project, undertaken in 2019/2020, was a comprehensive overhaul of Kazakhstan’s passenger transport network, involving everything from restructuring the transport routes to integrating new vehicles and IT systems.

“The project wasn’t just about technical solutions—it required deep intercultural collaboration,” he recalls. “We worked in Russian and had to integrate Deutsche Bahn managers into the local environment. It was a prime example of how much we can accomplish when a large-scale project is mobilized.”

Five Key Elements of Exciting Consulting Work

When asked to define what makes consulting at DB E&C exciting, Axel quickly identifies five key aspects:

• Exciting Mobility Projects: "We’re tackling top-tier issues that truly make a difference, not just side topics."
• Global Reach: "Our projects span continents, giving us a truly global perspective."
• Diverse and Talented Colleagues: "We work with an incredibly diverse and skilled team."
• Passion and Dedication: "Everyone here is deeply committed to the work we do."
• Competitive Employment Conditions: "We offer fair salaries, excellent development opportunities, and flexibility in work."

Leading with Intercultural Awareness and Responsibility

Throughout his career, Axel Sondermann has demonstrated a leadership style rooted in responsibility and intercultural awareness. He understands that leading successful projects in different parts of the world requires not just technical expertise, but the ability to navigate cultural nuances with empathy and adaptability.

“Intercultural competence is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential in our line of work,” he explains. “Our global projects require a deep understanding of different cultural contexts, and the ability to adjust your approach accordingly.”

A Commitment to Excellence and the Future

As Axel Sondermann continues to lead his Consulting team into the future, his vision is clear: a commitment to delivering excellence in infrastructure and transportation consulting, while driving forward digital and sustainable transformation. His leadership, built on a foundation of flexibility, cultural awareness, and economic pragmatism, has been instrumental in shaping the success of DB E.C.O. Group’s consulting arm.

In Axel’s words, “The work we do today will have a lasting impact on the future of global mobility. It’s exciting to be a part of that transformation.” With his experience and dedication, Axel Sondermann is not just navigating the world of infrastructure consulting—he’s helping to shape its future, one project at a time.