With a dual degree in mathematics and human resources from the Sorbonne, Christel Pujol-Araujo joined SNCF in 1995. She spent her first 12 years in operational roles in commercial activities, customer relations, human resources and station management. After a stint at SNCF’s Université du Service, she led the on-board staff division and later two passenger service units. 

In 2020, she joined SNCF Réseau as head of Strategy and Performance. In this role, she oversaw the corporate transformation project and productivity plans, and coordinated long-term capacity and investment scenarios out to 2040. She also played a key role in driving major organizational and cultural transformations across the company. 

In 2025, she was appointed Deputy Managing Director, Human Resources, at SNCF Réseau.