CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest shipping line, has appointed Natasha Griffin as chief executive of CMA CGM North America, according to FreightWaves. The appointment, announced in a release by the Marseilles-based company, places Griffin at the helm of the carrier’s operations and strategic development across North America, encompassing ocean shipping, logistics, intermodal and supply chain activities.
Based in Norfolk, Va., Griffin will oversee CMA CGM’s business across the United States and Canada, according to the release reported by FreightWaves. The region represents a strategic market and a key pillar of the group’s long-term growth strategy, Griffin said.
“North America is a strategic market for CMA CGM and a key pillar of our long-term growth strategy,” Griffin said in the release. “I am honored to lead our organization at this important moment. We will continue delivering exceptional service to our customers while supporting the development of America’s maritime and logistics capabilities. I look forward to building on CMA CGM’s longstanding commitment to the United States and Canada and contributing to the continued growth of our business and our partnerships across the Region.”
Appointment details
Griffin succeeds Adeline Franger Chouraqui, who became CEO and president of CMA CGM America in May 2025, FreightWaves reported.
CMA CGM’s North American footprint
CMA CGM operates with more than 10,000 employees throughout the United States and Canada, according to FreightWaves. The carrier said container volume for the region totals 5 million units annually, on 38 services with 25 ports of call. It operates three U.S. marine terminals: one at the Port of Los Angeles and two at the Port of New York-New Jersey.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Regional employees (U.S. & Canada) | More than 10,000 |
| Annual container volume (region) | 5 million units |
| Services | 38 |
| Ports of call | 25 |
| U.S. marine terminals | 3 (1 at Port of Los Angeles, 2 at Port of New York-New Jersey) |
The three terminals give CMA CGM a direct presence at two of the largest U.S. container gateways — the Port of Los Angeles on the West Coast and the Port of New York-New Jersey on the East Coast, according to FreightWaves.
Griffin’s background
Griffin joined CMA CGM in June 2025 as managing director of CMA CGM United Kingdom, FreightWaves reported. Previously, she spent eight years at Zim’s UK unit and nearly a decade at Mediterranean Shipping Co. in the UK region. The company said Griffin “has successfully led the group’s activities in one of its key European markets, driving commercial performance, strengthening customer relationships, and supporting the company’s growth ambitions.”
Ownership and policy context
CMA CGM is controlled by the Saade family, according to FreightWaves. Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saade was in the Oval Office in 2025 when President Donald Trump announced a wide-ranging initiative to revive U.S.-flag shipping.
Implications for shippers and operators
For freight forwarders, logistics managers and shippers relying on CMA CGM’s North American network, the leadership change comes as the group continues to expand its presence and investments in the United States and Canada, the company said. Griffin’s “extensive commercial expertise, operational knowledge, and leadership experience” make her “exceptionally well-positioned to lead CMA CGM North America,” according to the release.
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