A graduate of École Centrale de Lyon and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Construction, Kian Gavtache joined SNCF in 1993. He held various roles in the development of major infrastructure projects (LGV Interconnexion and LGV Méditerranée high-speed lines, and the Austerlitz Tolbiac Masséna urban redevelopment); in Infrastructure Maintenance and Works; and with Transilien for station development projects in the Paris region. 

In 2012, he headed up SNCF’s team in Morocco for the launch of the continent’s first high-speed rail line. He then led SNCF’s Robustness programme before becoming Deputy Managing Director for Major Projects at SNCF Réseau in 2019 (including EOLE, CDG Express, NExTEO/ATS+, LGV+ Paris–Lyon, LNPCA, and more). 

In 2025, he was appointed to lead SNCF Réseau’s Industrial and Engineering Division, before becoming Deputy Managing Director, Engineering, Asset Management and Maintenance.