Saadé Family Legacy in CMA CGM
- Rodolphe Saadé succeeded his father Jacques at the helm of CMA CGM, a shipping, logistics, and media giant.
- He is now grooming the third generation to lead the family business, continuing the legacy of blending business and family life.
- The Saadé family's commitment to succession planning ensures continuity and growth of their business empire.
In September 2023, Rodolphe Saadé, the head of the shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM, organized a unique seminar for his children and their cousins atop the family’s 147-meter tower in Marseille. The gathering included five teenagers, aged 14 to 19, who are beginning to navigate their futures while being heirs to a significant family legacy. The seminar aimed to provide them with insights into the family's business and the responsibilities that come with it. The picturesque setting offered a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea and the bustling La Joliette port, where the family’s wealth is generated through global trade. The teenagers, embodying the carefree spirit of youth, are still coming to terms with the magnitude of their inheritance. Rodolphe's intention was to instill a sense of duty and awareness about the family's business empire, which has thrived in recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. Rodolphe, who is 54 and known for his commanding presence, emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation for future leadership roles. He reflected on the lessons imparted by his own father, Jacques Saadé, who had similarly prepared him for the responsibilities of the family business. As CMA CGM has risen to become one of France's top five fortunes, the seminar served as a pivotal moment for the younger generation to understand their potential roles in continuing the family's legacy.