Enrico Fontana, PhD

Global Mobility & Infrastructure Executive | Transforming Rail, Transit & Industrial Operations Across North America & EMEA

Greater Sacramento

About

Global operations, strategy, and growth executive with 25+ years leading complex mobility, infrastructure, and energy businesses across North America, EMEA, and Asia. Known for delivering multibillion-dollar growth, executing large-scale programs, and transforming organizations with disciplined, hands-on leadership. I have overseen $1.5B+ P&Ls, led 1,000+ people worldwide, and secured major wins such as the $1.6B Honolulu turnkey rail project, the largest award in Hitachi Rail’s 150-year history. My career spans senior roles in operations, sales, strategy, and general management, with a consistent record of strengthening competitiveness and driving execution in demanding technical and regulatory environments. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, I bring a global mindset, deep stakeholder alignment experience, and a strong track record in turnarounds, M&A evaluations, major negotiations, and enterprise growth.

Experience

  • VP Sales and Business Development, North America at Hitachi Rail
    2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Lead the commercial strategy, sales organization, and market expansion across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America for Passenger Rail, Freight, and Turnkey Projects. Defined the long-term growth strategy for all North American business lines. Led evaluation of multiple M&A targets (including one major acquisition). Integrated new product lines from acquisitions and from Rest of the World. Initiated a strategic partnership with a overseas manufacturers to expand U.S. penetration. Drove development of digital solutions leveraging Hitachi Digital (AI-powered asset management, predictive maintenance). Represent North America at global Sales Panels and senior leadership forums.

  • Siemens (Sacramento, California, United States)
    • Head of Turnkey North America, Siemens Mobility
      2022 - 2023 · 1 yr

      Built and led a new independent organization dedicated to bidding and executing major turnkey transportation projects across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Full P&L responsibility for ~$500M/yr expected revenue. Established organizational capabilities to compete in large U.S. and Canadian projects. Strengthened Siemens’ North America presence in integrated rail solutions.

    • Chief Strategy Officer, North America, Siemens Mobility
      2020 - 2022 · 2 yrs

      Directed strategy and planning across a $1.5B regional business. Supported Region CEO in all P&L oversight and strategic execution. Led footprint optimization for all U.S. and Canadian manufacturing and engineering sites. Contributed to M&A projects in Canada and international evaluations. Developed competitive strategies across Rolling Stock, Rail Infrastructure, and Services.

  • Hitachi Rail (12 yrs 1 mo)
    • VP Business Management, EMEA
      2019 - 2020 · 1 yr

      Coordinated strategy, budgeting, and market intelligence for a €2B+ order-intake region. Supported EMEA CEO in regional P&L oversight and key initiatives. Led strategic planning across digital solutions, rolling stock, O&M, signaling, and turnkey.

    • Managing Director, Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV
      2011 - 2019 · 8 yrs

      Executive leader of the $1.6B DBOM rail project — the first driverless metro in the U.S. Full P&L responsibility for a ~$100M/yr multiyear, multi-phase program. Built operational footprint (design, manufacturing, construction, O&M). Led 1,000+ U.S. and international employees and vendors across 24 states and multiple countries. Successfully negotiated $300M in change orders due to customer-driven delays. Secured major milestones, public approvals, and congressional engagement.

    • Sales/Bid Director, Driverless Mobility
      2008 - 2011 · 3 yrs

      Won $1.6B Honolulu Rail DBOM project — largest in company history. Won $250M PNU Metro in Riyadh — first in the Middle East. Built high-performing bid teams and competitive strategies.

  • Head of Bidding and Global Front Line Sales Support, Energy at Siemens
    2005 - 2008 · 3 yrs

    Initially joined the Siemens organization at the request of the Politecnico Di Torino, to manage a joint project between the two groups. Moved on to lead 25-person team supporting Global Front-Line Sales Force during negotiations, product presentations and preparation of partnership agreements. ✅ Traveled extensive throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. ✅ Drove 50% order growth and penetrated new markets in South Korea, India, Egypt, and Venezuela. ✅ Requested by the CEO of the local Siemens organization to lead a technology transfer between Swedish Volvo Aero and Siemens TurboCare.

  • PhD Fellow, Energy, System Integration and Sustainability at Politecnico di Torino
    2002 - 2005 · 3 yrs

    Won selection to an international PhD program in Italy and Spain, which involved extensive R&D into the integration of Power Generation and Desalination Systems.