CMA CGM's Rodolphe Saade discusses logistics expansion, acquisitions, and the importance of synergies in a recent interview.
CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saade indicated in a rare interview that the shipping giant now needs to consolidate its multiple acquisitions in the logistics sector and generate synergies while continuing to expand its footprint across the entire supply chain.
'Logistics is an area I really want to continue to push,' Rodolphe Saade said, while stressing that CMA CGM remains a shipping company. 'I do everything I can to make sure that CMA CGM remains financially sound,' he noted, explaining that by investing in logistics, air freight, media, and in Lebanon, the group has diversified to avoid having all its risk concentrated in shipping.
Rodolphe Saade pointed out that logistics currently accounts for about 40% of CMA CGM's total revenue, and he sees room for further growth. The next objective, he emphasized, is to generate synergies among the many businesses acquired. 'There is still a lot of work to be done in logistics. We've made many acquisitions, and now we need to make them function and make our logistics arm efficient.'
He disclosed that CMA CGM pushed aggressively into logistics after its largest clients began asking for integrated logistics solutions. 'I met with several customers, including big ones in the U.S., who told me: 'We want you to provide end-to-end solutions. From the factory in China to the customer's home, what matters is offering end-to-end solutions,'' he said, adding that this became a decisive argument for expanding logistics through acquisitions so that CMA CGM could ultimately control the entire supply chain.
In the interview, Rodolphe Saade emphasized that the United States plays a special role in the logistics expansion plans. About 30% of CMA CGM's business is in the U.S., where he sees massive potential to grow logistics operations, including warehouse facilities. In early July, CMA CGM acquired FedEx Supply Chain, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, a transaction he noted is expected to close by the end of September. 'This means new warehouses in the U.S. It is a market with strong growth, and I want us to have a stronger presence in the United States.'
In July, CMA CGM appointed Patrick Moebel as the new CEO of CEVA Logistics. Moebel brings over 30 years of leadership experience in transportation and global supply chains, having most recently served as President of FedEx Logistics. 'I just appointed a new CEO, Patrick Moebel, who is doing a great job. I hope he continues this way,' Saade said.
Indeed, Patrick Moebel's appointment comes at a crucial moment in CEVA Logistics' transformation. Following the successful integration of Bollore Logistics and its entry into the top tier of global logistics providers, CEVA Logistics is entering a new chapter of development. The next phase will focus on expanding footprint in North America, strengthening end-to-end logistics solutions, further enhancing strategic and operational synergies across CMA CGM's logistics, ocean, and air freight divisions, accelerating sustainable growth, and creating greater value for customers.
At the same time, Rodolphe Saade offered unprecedented insights to the public during the interview. 'A typical day, whether I am in Marseille, Paris, or somewhere else in the world, I arrive at the office around 7:00 or 8:15 AM. The day can stretch into the evening, until 8:30 or 9:00 PM. I do it because I love it. Every day brings difficult topics to manage, but that's part of my job,' he shared.
During the interview, Rodolphe Saade also acknowledged that one of the core disciplines of modern management might be one he is not yet fully comfortable with: delegation. He stated he is actively working to improve in this area. 'I have learned to delegate certain things because I have a close-knit team around me that I trust. I give them a lot of responsibility. But to do my job properly, I also need to retain control.' Asked how he navigates this learning process, he replied: 'I think you learn when you realize that you cannot do everything. If you try to touch everything, you end up doing it wrong. So, I prefer to say that on certain topics, I will handle them myself and go into detail. For others, I delegate them, but I make sure it is done well.'
Throughout the interview, Rodolphe Saade was clear about his values and company business principles. He emphasized that he places a high premium on transparency and expects those around him to be transparent with him. He noted that he wouldn't say people lie, but rather that there is a lack of transparency. Loyalty, hard work, boldness, imagination, and innovation are all key values for him.
