Mumbai
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Jacques Rodolphe Saadé, a French-Lebanese businessman who founded CMA CGM, passed away at 81 on June 24, 2018. Born in Beirut in 1937 and an alumnus of the London School of Economics, Saadé established the world’s third-largest container shipping company by navigating through challenges, including relocating to Marseille in 1978 due to the war in Lebanon. Under his leadership, CMA CGM emerged as a global shipping powerhouse, boasting a fleet of 489 vessels and generating $16.0 billion in revenue for 2016. Saadé's commitment extended beyond business; he was deeply invested in environmental protection and adamant about keeping the company within the family, a value supported by his children, Rodolphe and Tanya. Throughout his career, Saadé received numerous accolades, including the Commander of the French Legion of Honor in 2015, underscoring his impact on the maritime and business worlds.
February 07, 1937 in Beirut, Lebanon
June 24, 2018 (aged 81)
Shipping
Logistics
France
Bachelor of Arts/Science, American University Beirut Lebanon; Master of Business Administration, London School of Economics
Naila Rapnouil Saadé
3
Jacques Rodolphe Saadé was born on February 7, 1937, in Beirut, Lebanon. He was the son of a Lebanese businessman and a French mother. Saadé grew up in a wealthy family and attended the best schools in Beirut. He showed an early interest in business and shipping, and after graduating from high school, he went on to study economics at the London School of Economics.
Jacques Saade & family: Family
Saadé was married to Naila, and they had two children together, Rodolphe and Tanya. His son, Rodolphe, followed in his father's footsteps and became the CEO of CMA CGM in 2017. His daughter, Tanya, is also involved in the family business and serves as the company's Executive Officer.
Jacques Saade & family: Career Highlights
After graduating from the London School of Economics in 1957, Saadé returned to Lebanon and took over the family business. He quickly expanded the business and made it one of the largest shipping companies in the Middle East. In 1978, due to the war in Lebanon, Saadé moved to Marseille, France, and founded Compagnie maritime d’affrètement (CMA) with his brother Johnny. In 1996, he acquired CGM (Compagnie Générale Maritime) and merged the two companies in 1999 to create the CMA CGM Group.
Jacques Saade & family: Companies
Saadé was the founder and chairman of CMA CGM, the fourth largest container transportation and shipping company in the world. He also served as the president of the Franco-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and the France-Ukraine committee. In addition, he was a member of the board of directors of several other companies, including the Suez Canal Authority and the Port of Marseille.
Jacques Saade & family: Major Achievements
Saadé was a highly successful businessman and made several major achievements during his career. He transformed CMA CGM from a small shipping company into a global giant. He also made several strategic acquisitions, including DELMAS, Cheng Lie Navigation Ltd, U.S.
Lines, and COMANAV. In addition, he was a strong advocate for environmental protection and reduced the company's impact on the environment.
Jacques Saade & family: Awards & Achievements
Saadé received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements. He was voted "Personality of the Year" by Seatrade magazine in 2007 and was awarded the Manley-Bendall prize by the Naval Academy and an Honorary Degree by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria. He was also named an Officer of the French Legion of Honor in 2009 and received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Containerization International in 2012.
Jacques Saade & family: Personal Life & Legacy
Saadé was a private person and did not share much about his personal life. He was known for his hard work and dedication to his business. He was also a strong supporter of education and philanthropy. He established the Jacques Saadé Foundation, which supports educational and cultural projects in Lebanon and France. Saadé passed away on June 24, 2018, at the age of 81.
Jacques Saade & family: Trivia
Saadé was a polyglot and spoke several languages, including Arabic, French, English, and Italian. He was also a keen sailor and enjoyed spending time on his yacht.
Jacques Rodolphe Saadé is born in Beirut, Lebanon.
Graduates from the London School of Economics.
Takes over the family business after his father's death.
Moves to Marseille, France, due to the war in Lebanon.
Founds Compagnie maritime d’affrètement (CMA) with his brother Johnny.
Becomes President of the Franco-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.
Acquires CGM (Compagnie Générale Maritime).
Merges CMA and CGM to create the CMA CGM Group.
Serves as President of the France-Ukraine committee.
Voted "Personality of the Year" by Seatrade magazine.
Named an Officer of the French Legion of Honor.
Becomes President of the France-Jordan Council of Business Leaders.
Receives the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Containerization International.
Made an honorary citizen of the City of Marseille.
Receives an honorary doctorate from the Lebanese American University (LAU).
Named a Commander of the French Legion of Honor.
Appoints his son Rodolphe as CEO of CMA CGM and becomes founder chairman.
Jacques Rodolphe Saadé dies at the age of 81.
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Who was Jacques Rodolphe Saadé and what did he accomplish in his career?
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What is the family business model and key figures of CMA CGM under Jacques Rodolphe Saadé's leadership?