Keolis, a leading global operator of public transportation networks, has appointed Yoen Dupuis as Chief Executive Officer for its Middle East and East Asia regions, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion and modernization of rail and automated metro services. The appointment covers strategic operations in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and China, where Keolis manages some of the world’s most technologically advanced transit systems.
Based in the UAE, Dupuis assumes a high-stakes role overseeing daily operations affecting millions of commuters. His responsibilities include strategic planning, operational excellence, and fostering partnerships with public authorities and private stakeholders to ensure seamless mobility services. This leadership change comes as Keolis prepares to launch passenger services on the UAE’s Etihad Rail, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding efficient, modern, and sustainable transportation solutions in the region.
Yoen Dupuis brings extensive experience in managing complex transit operations. During his tenure leading Keolis operations in the Greater Paris Region, he transformed the business into a €1 billion enterprise employing 8,500 staff while significantly enhancing service reliability and customer satisfaction. His leadership of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games transit operations showcased his ability to manage large-scale, high-pressure transportation environments, coordinating multiple networks, and ensuring smooth mobility for millions of passengers.
Keolis International CEO Laurence Broseta praised Dupuis’ appointment, citing his proven record of managing large networks, building strong partnerships with authorities, and implementing innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency. Broseta emphasized that Dupuis’ regional leadership will be instrumental in advancing Keolis’ vision for reliable, safe, and technologically advanced public transportation systems in the Middle East and East Asia.
Speaking about his new role, Dupuis highlighted the potential of the region’s infrastructure and the opportunity to combine global expertise with local insights. He stressed that modern transit systems require not only technical proficiency but also close collaboration with local authorities, urban planners, and communities to ensure that services meet the evolving needs of passengers. Dupuis plans to focus on innovation, operational reliability, and high-quality service as central priorities for the region’s rail and metro networks.
Keolis’ expansion in the Middle East reflects a broader trend of modernization in regional transportation, emphasizing sustainable solutions, digitalization, and automated mobility. The company aims to enhance passenger experience through timely, safe, and technologically advanced transport options, aligning with urban development goals and environmental commitments.
In conclusion, the appointment of Yoen Dupuis as CEO for the Middle East and East Asia regions reinforces Keolis’ commitment to expanding modern rail infrastructure and delivering world-class mobility solutions. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Dupuis is poised to lead Etihad Rail and other regional operations toward operational excellence, innovation, and reliable service for millions of commuters.
