A graduate of Telecom Paris Tech, Olivier Bancel joined SNCF in 1993 as a project leader in the Research division, moving on to a series of mainly operations-focused positions in network maintenance, on high-speed lines and in the Rhône-Alpes region. He later served as project leader for the Haut-Bugey line in central France, deputy director of infrastructure for the Southern region, and director of network maintenance for South-eastern France.

From 2016 to 2018, Olivier Bancel headed asset management and digital technology at Systra, SNCF’s engineering subsidiary, subsequently returning to SNCF Réseau. He is now Managing Director of Projects, Maintenance and Operations and interim Deputy Managing Director Customers & Territories.