Rail Europe Unveils Leadership Change After Omio Takeover as Company Targets Next Phase of Rail Travel Growth
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Rail Europe has announced a major leadership transition following its acquisition by Omio Group, marking a new chapter for the global distributor of European rail travel. The company confirmed that Björn Bender has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, moving on after four years of leading the organisation through a period of transformation and expansion.
Under Bender’s leadership, Rail Europe evolved into an independent global rail distribution business after its acquisition by Hivest Capital and Bpifrance in 2022. The company strengthened its digital infrastructure, expanded its product portfolio and increased its international presence, becoming a key platform connecting travellers with European rail services.
Rail Europe’s platform now supports around four million travellers every year, providing access to more than 250 rail operators worldwide. The company also works with approximately 25,000 travel sellers and partners, reinforcing its role in the global rail travel ecosystem.
Following the leadership change, Jean-Francois Bessiron will take charge of Rail Europe as President while continuing his responsibilities as Chief B2B Officer at Omio Group. He will oversee the company’s integration into Omio Group, using Omio’s technology capabilities, multimodal travel platform and broader transport inventory to support future growth.
Bessiron will be supported by Dau-Khoi Nguyen, who returns to Rail Europe as Chief Operating Officer. Nguyen previously served as Rail Europe’s CEO from 2018 to 2022 and brings extensive experience of the company’s operations, partnerships and business structure.
During the integration period, Nguyen will manage Rail Europe’s daily operations, ensuring continuity for employees, customers and global partners while the company transitions into the Omio Group structure.
Omio Group completed the acquisition of Rail Europe in late July 2026 after the conclusion of the required consultation process in France. Despite the ownership change, Rail Europe will continue operating under its existing brand, serving both business partners and travellers across international markets.
The leadership transition reflects Rail Europe’s next phase of development as the company combines its established European rail expertise with Omio Group’s global technology platform and multimodal travel capabilities. The integration is expected to further strengthen digital travel solutions and improve access to rail journeys for travellers worldwide.
Jean-Francois Bessiron, President of Rail Europe and Chief B2B Officer of Omio Group, said:
“Björn has made a lasting contribution to Rail Europe. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its independence, platform, and international positioning, creating solid foundations for its next phase of growth. We sincerely thank him for his commitment to the business, our people, and our partners, and wish him every success for the future.
“Dau-Khoi’s return as Chief Operating Officer brings valuable consistency, and his experience will be a tremendous asset whilst Rail Europe is integrated into Omio Group. Together with the wider leadership team, we will build on the strong foundations Björn has helped put in place and continue delivering for travellers and partners.”
Björn Bender said:
“It has been a real privilege to lead Rail Europe over the past four years. Together with an incredible team, we transformed Rail Europe into an independent business and built a unique position in the global rail industry. I am proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to our teams, customers and partners who made this journey possible. I wish Jean-François, Khoi and the entire team every success for the next chapter.”
