Mark Topal Gökceli

Mark Topal-Gökceli (born 1976) is an Austrian railway executive serving as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ÖBB-Holding AG since 2015. He coordinates the European DAC Delivery Programme (EDDP), a European Union-funded initiative to modernize freight rail operations.
Career
Early career
Topal-Gökceli joined ÖBB in 2005 as a civil engineer, working on infrastructure projects including the Vienna Central Station redevelopment. His early projects focused on interoperability standards for cross-border rail operations.
Leadership roles
Appointed CTO in 2015, Topal-Gökceli oversaw:
* Implementation of a safety program that reduced workplace accidents by 42% between 2015-2020
* Development of ÖBB's digital transformation roadmap including DAC implementation
* Transition to 73% renewable energy use in ÖBB operations by 2023
European initiatives
As programme manager of the European DAC Delivery Programme since 2020, Topal-Gökceli coordinates:
* Testing of 4 prototype coupling systems across 12 EU countries
* The €13 million DAC4EU demonstration project funded by Germany
* Migration planning for full DAC implementation by 2030 through Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking
Technical contributions
Digital Automatic Coupling
Topal-Gökceli's implementation strategy focuses on four technical requirements from the European DAC Delivery Programme specification:
1. Standardized coupling interfaces compatible with existing Scharfenberg coupler designs
2. Retrofit solutions for Class G freight wagons
3. Workforce training programs aligned with European Union railway directives
4. Cross-border interoperability frameworks
Climate protection initiatives
Topal-Gökceli's climate strategy aligns with the European Green Deal, focusing on:
* Reducing traction energy consumption by 15% (2020-2025)
* Increasing rail freight market share to 40% in Austria by 2030
* Developing lightweight freight wagons that reduce energy use by 8-12%
Governance roles
* Member, Presidential Council of Austrian Standards International<ref name="cv" />
* Supervisory Board Member, ÖBB-Technical Services GmbH<ref name="cv" />
* Supervisory Board Member, ÖBB-Production GmbH<ref name="cv" />
Education
* Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, TU Wien (2001)<ref name="cv" />

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