Ocean shipping and logistics conglomerate CMA CGM has appointed Patrick Moebel, former president of FedEx Logistics, to lead Ceva Logistics – the fifth-largest third-party logistics provider globally by gross revenue – according to FreightWaves. The leadership change comes as CMA CGM deepens its push into integrated logistics, having recently announced an agreement to acquire FedEx Corp.'s warehousing and distribution business.
Moebel succeeds Matthieu Friedberg, who after six years at Ceva's helm has been appointed executive vice president of transformation at the CMA CGM Group. In his new role, Friedberg will oversee artificial intelligence, IT cybersecurity, startup accelerator Zebox and management consulting firm CMA Conseil, the company said.
Moebel's Experience
Moebel has served as president of FedEx Logistics – the integrator's international freight forwarding and customs clearance unit – for nearly six years, according to FreightWaves. Prior to that, he was president of the Americas for France-based freight forwarder Geodis for nearly a dozen years. His background in North America and familiarity with both FedEx operations and a French logistics company likely positioned him as the top candidate for Ceva, the report noted.
Ceva's Growth Trajectory
Ceva Logistics is an $18.3 billion company with 110,000 employees operating in 170 countries, specializing in contract logistics, freight management and value-added services, with a significant market share in automotive logistics. CMA CGM, headquartered in Marseilles, France, has transformed over the past decade from a pure ocean carrier and port terminal operator into an end-to-end logistics provider. After acquiring Ceva in 2019, CMA CGM has folded several companies into Ceva, including:
- Bolloré Logistics (France)
- Gefco
- Ingram Micro’s commerce and lifestyle services business
- Borusan Tedarik (Turkey), acquired last year
- Colis Privé Group, a last-mile delivery company purchased in 2023
Ceva has also initiated joint ventures to accelerate growth in key geographies and market sectors. Additionally, CMA CGM launched its own cargo airline four years ago.
On Tuesday, Ceva announced it is exploring acquisitions of e-commerce logistics players Paack Iberia and Paack France, according to FreightWaves.
North American Focus
The company stated that the next phase of growth will focus on expanding capabilities in North America and strengthening product offerings. The acquisition of FedEx Supply Chain, expected to close later this year, is a major part of that strategy. Moebel’s experience in North America and with FedEx operations aligns with this objective.
Implications for Shippers
For freight forwarders, logistics managers and 3PL operators, the leadership change signals CMA CGM's continued commitment to building a comprehensive logistics network. Moebel's background in freight forwarding and customs clearance could lead to enhanced service offerings in cross-border trade and e-commerce fulfillment. The pending acquisition of FedEx Supply Chain, combined with Ceva's existing capabilities, may offer shippers more integrated solutions spanning ocean, air, and warehousing. However, integration risks remain as Ceva absorbs multiple recent acquisitions.
Watch List
- Closing of the FedEx Supply Chain acquisition later this year
- Integration of Paack Iberia and Paack France if acquisitions proceed
- Expansion of Ceva's North American contract logistics footprint
- Further tuck-in acquisitions in last-mile and e-commerce logistics
Sources:
