Marc Willich: Pioneering Digitalization at DB Engineering & Consulting

From Engineer to Digital Leader: A Journey of Innovation

Mr. Willich’s path began with a degree in civil engineering from the Technical University of Braunschweig. His career at Deutsche Bahn took off in the technical office of DB Netz AG in Karlsruhe. Over time, he took on increasingly complex roles, including leading major projects for DB Station&Service AG in southwestern Germany. A key highlight of his career came with his responsibility for fire protection upgrades across all stations in Germany, a project valued at half a billion euros.

“These experiences opened my eyes to the potential of digitalization,” Marc recalls. “I realized that many of our processes were repetitive and ripe for standardization and automation.”

In 2018, Marc joined DB E&C, initially to oversee the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM). His success in this area, combined with his innovative mindset, soon led him to co-develop the company’s digitalization strategy as part of the "Tuning" program. This journey ultimately culminated in his appointment as Chief Digital Officer.

“What excites me most about my role,” he shares, “is the opportunity to develop innovative solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also deliver real value to both the company and our customers.”

A Unique Environment for Digital Transformation

For Marc, working in the digital space at DB E&C offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As part of a large corporation, DB E&C operates with the agility of a smaller firm, benefiting from short decision-making processes and flat hierarchies. “This flexibility allows us to quickly turn ideas into reality,” he explains, “especially in such a dynamic field like digitalization.”

What sets DB E&C apart is its dual focus: serving the Deutsche Bahn Group while simultaneously operating in international markets. This diverse portfolio allows for a rich exchange of ideas and innovative approaches across cultures and industries.

“The ability to implement innovations quickly and effectively in this exciting environment,” Willich reflects, “is what makes working in the digital sector at DB E&C so special. It’s a perfect blend of flexibility, international focus, and innovation.”

Strategic Partnerships and the Future of AI

Marc Willich’s role also includes navigating the evolving relationship with DB International Operations (IO) within the larger DB E.C.O. Group. Although IO operates independently with a distinct business model, he collaborates closely with its Chief Technology Officer, especially in areas like data management and digital tools.

“As AI becomes increasingly important, particularly with the regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act,” he explains, “we are likely to take a more active role in governance, especially around AI’s impact on data management and compliance.”

While Marc’s involvement with IO remains primarily advisory, he recognizes the growing importance of integrating AI into operations, particularly as the technology evolves and regulations tighten.

AI and Digital Trends Shaping the Future

Artificial Intelligence is a major focus for Willich, but for DB E&C, it’s more than just a buzzword. The company has been using AI in various capacities for some time, from image recognition and object detection in railways to data privacy management, such as anonymizing personal data in scanned images.

“We’ve been cautious in implementing generative AI due to regulatory concerns,” he says, “but we are now preparing to roll it out in a controlled manner.”

DB E&C’s approach to AI implementation follows two primary tracks. First, creating the right framework within the company, including legal, technical, and organizational readiness. Second, identifying specific areas where AI can enhance production processes.

“By prioritizing potential use cases, we’re ready to move quickly once we get the green light for generative AI,” Marc notes. “It’s an exciting time, and the potential to fundamentally improve how we work is immense.”

Navigating Complexity in a Changing Legal Landscape

Marc Willich has spent his career managing complex projects, and the increasing regulatory requirements are nothing new. However, he has noticed a trend toward more detailed and intricate regulations over the past decade.

“Balancing legal frameworks, technical standards, and stakeholder expectations has always been a part of my work,” Marc explains. “But the growing involvement of more interest groups has made decision-making processes more complex.”

While this complexity can be challenging, he views it as an opportunity to ensure that more perspectives are considered, even if it requires navigating a more intricate regulatory landscape.

Key Qualities for Future Digitalization Experts

When it comes to recruiting for the digitalization team at DB E&C, Willich values candidates who possess a hybrid skill set—those who understand both the technical aspects and the business side of the organization.

“We are not just looking for IT specialists,” he emphasizes. “We need people who can translate complex technical challenges into practical solutions for our engineering and consulting teams.”

Ideal candidates bring a curiosity for new technologies, a deep understanding of the company’s core business, and a willingness to collaborate across different areas of expertise.

“Our team’s strength lies in its diversity,” he shares. “We leverage the knowledge of nearly 7,000 employees across the DB E.C.O. Group, including international expertise from our design centers and sister companies. It’s like having a vast supermarket of resources at your disposal for any project.”

For Marc, the diverse resources and expertise available within DB E&C are what make the work truly exciting. “The possibilities are endless,” he says with enthusiasm. “It’s incredibly rewarding to have the freedom to create innovative solutions and watch them come to life.”

Marc Willich’s journey at DB E&C is one of transformation, vision, and innovation. As he continues to drive digitalization within the organization, his leadership is shaping the future of infrastructure for Deutsche Bahn and beyond.