Talgo appoints Ricardo Chocarro as CEO in Spain

The Board of Directors of Talgo has appointed Ricardo Chocarro Melgosa as CEO of the company, effective 14 July 2026, replacing Rafael Sterling. The Spanish rolling-stock manufacturer announced the leadership change as it continues to execute its strategic plan.

Chocarro brings nearly three decades of experience in high-technology industrial sectors to the role. He has nearly 30 years of professional experience in high-tech sectors, especially in aeronautics and renewable energies, according to Talgo. The company describes him as an industrial engineer with a track record across multiple advanced manufacturing domains.

Chocarro was Chief Executive Officer of Aernnova Aerospace from October 2020 until his departure at the end of December 2025, according to a Board of Directors report published by Talgo. He also serves as an independent director of Lontana Group.

Chocarro joined Talgo's Board of Directors in February 2026 as an independent director. With his appointment as CEO, he now becomes an executive director, having stepped down from his independent status.

The appointment follows the departure of Rafael Sterling from the company. Sterling had held the role for only around seven months, having been named director general in December 2025 after the removal of former CEO Gonzalo Urquijo, as the reconfigured board — reflecting the Basque investor consortium's new control of the company — also moved Talgo's registered and tax headquarters back to Álava. The transition forms part of the full design of Talgo's strategic plan.