Press Release: 8/12/2025
Experienced Global Rail Leader Named CEO of Keolis Commuter Services
With more than 25 years of experience, John Killeen will lead the Nation’s Sixth Largest Commuter Rail Network
August 11, 2025 (BOSTON) – Keolis has appointed experienced global transportation leader John Killeen as Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), the MBTA’s operations and maintenance partner for their Commuter Rail system. Mr. Killeen has more than twenty-five years of leadership experience driving safety, reliability, operational excellence and transformation across major commuter rail networks in North America and Europe. He also has deep knowledge of MBTA Commuter Rail network operations and assets, having served as the Vice President of Asset Management at KCS since 2017.
“I am happy to see John assume this leadership role with the Keolis Commuter Services team. His nearly thirty-year career in the rail industry combined with a strong commitment to our employees and the MBTA have been a driving force in delivering safe and reliable service for our passengers. John’s dedication and expertise will be essential as Keolis continues to improve service for the greater Boston community,” said Brad Thomas, CEO of Keolis North America.
“This is an exciting time for the MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis Commuter Services remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering safe and reliable service for our passengers,” said John Killeen. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners at the MBTA and with our entire workforce to serve the people and communities across the Commuter Rail network who depend on our service every day.”
Mr. Killeen is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and holds a Master of Science in Railway Systems Engineering, and his career on the railroad demonstrates his deep technical ability and operational experience. He has more than 20 years of experience in successfully managing the maintenance of rolling stock and rail infrastructure with a demonstrated success in improving reliability and availability. Mr. Killeen has deep experience in helping railroads meet their transformation goals. He has led the procurement and introduction of new rolling stock at two major railways, Go-Via Thameslink Railway and Southern Railway in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Killeen was selected in consultation with Keolis Group, Keolis North America and the MBTA and will formally take over the role on September 1, 2025, after a brief transition period with support from the current KCS CEO Abdellah Chajai. It was announced in June that Mr. Chajai was appointed to the Global Keolis Executive Committee and promoted to a new role as Executive Director of Marketing, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Engagement for Keolis Group worldwide.
Keolis Commuter Services has operated and maintained the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system, the sixth largest commuter rail operation in North America, for over ten years. KCS is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA), both headquartered in Boston, and employs approximately 2,500 people throughout the region. KCS and KNA are part of Keolis Group, an innovative global leader in transit services with more than a century of passenger transportation experience and operations in 13 countries.