In a predominantly male industry, Frédérique Erlichman has made significant strides in her career, becoming a leading figure at Railpool in France. Her journey is not only a testament to her expertise and determination for transportation but also a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to leadership roles in the railway sector.
Frédérique Erlichman has worked in the rail industry for over 25 years. After her graduation she started her career in Canada with the railway company CN and has worked in various areas such as sales, marketing, production and fleet management since.
During her studies she had to go through internships – and felt in love with transportation industry. “You’re really in the middle of the economy because you feel the impact when the economy is strong, with lots of requests and a need to move even faster. When it slows down, the stress is lower and there’s less demand.”
Furthermore, she really liked the people, the mentality, and the idea of moving products from all over the place. She always had been more into the transportation of goods than people, she recalls. Not only because of her background in economics and finance but also because of sustainability reasons: "During COVID, trains were crucial as they can carry the equivalent of more than 40 trucks' worth of goods, efficiently and with less pollution," she explains.
"In transportation, you must handle complexity and problem-solving without getting disheartened. If you expect everything to go smoothly all the time, you'll be disappointed because that's rarely the case. Adaptability is key. Being solution-oriented is essential due to the myriad challenges. Understanding its role in the economy is vital; it serves as an accurate barometer of a country or continent's economic health."
Frédérique Erlichman, Director RAILPOOL France SAS
Now she works for Railpool, the second largest lessor of electric locomotives in Europe and the largest in Germany. Over a year ago the company decided to expand its business. The expansion has taken place in Italy, Poland, Belgium, and Austria.
In October 2023, Railpool opened its Paris office under her management. As the head of Railpool in France, Frédérique's responsibilities are vast. "My task is to develop the customer base and organize the maintenance of locomotives," she explains. This role requires not only logistical acumen but also communication and problem-solving skills.
"When it came to France, they looked for a manager to lead the opening of the branch. I don't know if it made a difference that I'm a woman, but they picked me. Not just because I'm a woman, but also because I have extensive experience in the rail industry. Of course, it was a very good opportunity for me, but I also thought it was a good decision to hire a woman in this male-dominated industry.”
Frédérique Erlichman, Director RAILPOOL France SAS
Beside those skills, networking has been pivotal in Frédérique's career. "It's very important for women to develop their network to lead their careers," she explains. Throughout her career, she has had both male and female mentors who provided invaluable advice and support. "I started working in Canada for CN, a big railway company and worked a lot in sales and marketing. Then, I got this advice from my boss and mentor: 'You have to also develop your skills in production, not only in sales and marketing. Of course, sales and marketing are very important, but you also need to understand the production side of the transport, closer to the planning of operations.' “
So did she and started working in production, fleet planning and the purchasing of Diesel fuel for the locomotives.
Today in her role as Railpool leader in France, her tasks include developing the customer base and acquiring lessees for locomotives. Railpool's primary focus in France involves expanding its customer base primarily among mid-sized railway undertakings. These customers prefer leasing locomotives rather than purchasing, allowing them flexibility in adapting to market demands and timing.
She also oversees the maintenance logistics to ensure the locomotives are always operational, coordinating with workshops and railway dispatchers. Her responsibilities extend internationally, managing teams across different countries and ensuring effective communication and operations. "For me, it was always important to travel, meet customers, and understand the field," she adds. This hands-on approach has been vital in her leadership role. "For my employees, it’s mandatory to visit a site once a year. If you sell a product that is actually a service, you have to understand how it’s done. This means seeing firsthand what it takes to load and unload, and how a wagon is maintained."
"I've spent my entire career in this industry, but I've never held the same position for more than three to five years. I've worked in supply management, marketing, sales, production, and now I'm developing a subsidiary. There's so much variety—you're never bored. It's a field where you constantly interact with people; you can't do it alone. You engage with suppliers, customers, and government officials due to the regulatory nature of the business. Lobbying is also essential. There are countless aspects to navigate and it's all part of the job."
Frédérique Erlichman, Director RAILPOOL France SAS
Frédérique is also passionate about increasing female representation in the rail industry. "I've always led teams and tried to have a balance of men and women," she says. She encourages women to enter male-dominated industries like rail.
"In an international career within a male-dominated industry, it doesn't mean that as a woman, you cannot have a successful career." However, she acknowledges that the field is not always well-known or appealing to women. "Training and education are crucial in presenting job opportunities in transportation," she asserts. She believes that better awareness can attract more women to this vital sector.
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