Every Country Teaches You Something New: Michael Ahlgrimm, Regional Director for Europe & Central Asia

Michael Ahlgrimm didn’t set out to build a career across continents – but over 26 years at Deutsche Bahn, he’s done just that. His journey began humbly in Berlin, working as a section controller on the now-iconic North-South connection. What followed was a series of bold moves that would take him from local projects to executive leadership roles in Qatar, Kazakhstan, and across Europe and Central Asia.

“It all started by accident,” Michael recalls. “I was a section controller, and when my boss left, I stepped in. Suddenly I was the commercial manager of one of Germany’s major post-reunification projects. It was a steep learning curve – but it lit a fire.”

That “accident” became a launchpad, opening the door to one of the most diverse and international careers within the DB family. Each new step came with complexity, but also with immense opportunity to learn, grow, and build something lasting.

Crossing Borders: From Germany to the Gulf – and Beyond

After formative years in Berlin and Leipzig, Ahlgrimm took his first leap abroad with DB International at that time – accepting a post as Executive Director in Qatar to lead the planning and construction of the Doha Metro.

“It was a huge shift,” he says. “New culture, new language, new expectations. But it was also one of the most enriching experiences of my life.” The Qatar project – delivered in time for the World Cup – was more than just a rail system. It was a high-stakes, high-visibility effort involving government entities, international partners, and complex stakeholder dynamics.

But the journey didn’t end there. Next came Kazakhstan – a place with its own challenges, from a strict hierarchy to bitterly cold winters. And arriving in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t make things any easier. “It was a tough environment,” Michael admits, “but also another opportunity to grow.”

Today, he’s based in Belgrade, where he leads a vibrant and diverse region that stretches from Greece to Riga, with projects as far-reaching as Israel and Uzbekistan. “It’s a fascinating mix,” he says. “No two days – or countries – are ever the same.”

“It’s one of the most exciting portfolios in DB Engineering & Consulting,” Michael says. “There’s never a dull moment.”

Innovation Without Borders: Embracing Change, Technology, and Cross-Company Collaboration

With so many international projects under his belt, Michael Ahlgrimm sees collaboration as essential – both across cultures and within the broader DB ecosystem.

He is a strong advocate for collaboration across teams and disciplines – especially when it comes to delivering complex international projects. “Bringing planning, construction, and operational thinking together early on makes a real difference,” he says. “I’ve seen how powerful that alignment can be – especially on large-scale efforts like our work in Egypt.”

Michael’s equally passionate about innovation. As a member of the DB E&C Innovation Board, Michael helps champion new ideas and technologies – from Building Information Modeling (BIM) to drone-based surveying and digital construction tracking. “Innovation isn’t just about tools,” he adds. “It’s about creating space for people to think differently and solve problems better.”

“Technology helps us manage complexity,” he says. “But it also empowers people. It brings transparency and lets teams focus on what really matters.”

Building Teams That Travel Well: Cultural Sensitivity, Curiosity, and the Right Kind of Grit

When Ahlgrimm recruits for his region, he’s looking for more than technical skills.

“Yes, you need qualifications,” he says. “But more than that – you need to be adaptable. Curious. Able to work across cultures. Willing to get on a plane and support a project in another country. That’s the kind of energy we need.”

Michael’s region spans dozens of nationalities, and Michael believes that cultural sensitivity is what sets high performers apart. “You can’t lead a team in Belgrade the same way you would in Doha or Riga. Listening is essential.”

It’s not always easy – but it’s always worth it. “You grow by stepping outside your comfort zone,” he adds. “That’s what makes international work so rewarding.”

Defining Projects: From Berlin Foundations to Metro Milestones

Looking back, two projects stand out as turning points in Michael’s career.

The first was Berlin’s North-South connection – his introduction to major infrastructure work and his first time interfacing with the Deutsche Bahn board. “I learned how to manage pressure, stakeholders, and the big picture,” he says.

But it was the Doha Metro that proved most transformational. “We took it from concept to operations. We worked with dozens of nationalities, navigated high-level politics, and delivered a world-class metro system. It was the kind of challenge that teaches you about leadership – not just project management.”

What Makes DB E&C Unique? A Global Platform with Room to Grow

Michael Ahlgrimm believes DB Engineering & Consulting offers something rare in the industry: international reach, strong values, and true professional development.

“We may not have the highest salaries,” he says candidly. “But we offer stability, learning opportunities, and the chance to shape meaningful projects. And that counts for a lot.”

He values the freedom and flexibility that comes with his role. “You’re trusted to lead. That kind of autonomy is hard to find elsewhere.”

Five Words That Define His Work at DB E&C: International, Development, Fairness, Excitement, Impact

When asked to sum up his experience, Ahlgrimm doesn’t hesitate. “International. Development. Fairness. Excitement. Impact.”

Each word reflects a core value – from the diverse projects and geographies he oversees, to the fairness and support he sees in DB’s culture, to the impact his teams make on communities around the world.

“This job gives you the chance to grow every day,” he says. “That’s what keeps me here.”

To Women in Engineering: Talent Knows No Gender – Go for It

Michael closes with a clear message to women considering a career in rail or international infrastructure: “Don’t wait for permission. Don’t overthink it. Just go for it.”

He’s worked with standout women across the globe – from project leads in Riga to branch managers in Serbia – and he’s clear about what matters.

“I don’t believe in quotas. I believe in ability, passion, and teamwork. And I’ve seen again and again that women bring all three.”

His advice is simple but powerful: “Be bold. Don’t hesitate. The world of engineering needs you.”