Ocean shipping and logistics conglomerate CMA CGM late Wednesday named former FedEx executive Patrick Moebel to lead Ceva Logistics, the fifth largest third-party logistics provider in the world by gross revenue, after earlier announcing an agreement to buy FedEx Corp. ‘s warehousing and distribution business.
Moebel replaces Matthieu Friedberg, who was appointed executive vice president, transformation, at CMA CGM Group.
Ceva Logistics is an $18.3 billion company, with 110,000 employees and operations in 170 countries. It specializes in contract logistics, freight management and value-added services, with a big market share in automotive logistics.
Moebel has served as president of FedEx Logistics (NYSE: FDX), the integrator’s international freight forwarding and customs clearance unit, for nearly six years. Prior to that he was president of the Americas for France-based freight forwarder Geodis for nearly a dozen years.
CMA CGM, headquartered in Marseilles, France, has been on a buying spree for the past decade as it transforms itself from a pure ocean carrier and port terminal operator into an end-to-end logistics provider. After acquiring Ceva Logistics in 2019, it has continued to grow by folding other companies into Ceva, including France-based Bolloré Logistics and Gefco, and Ingram Micro’s commerce and lifestyle services business. Last year it took over Borusan Tedarik in Turkey. Ceva has also made numerous tuck-in acquisitions, including the 2023 purchase of last-mile delivery company Colis Privé Group, and initiated joint ventures to accelerate its growth in key geographies or market sectors. CMA CGM also 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.
CMA CGM said 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, as well as with a French logistics company, likely pushed him to the top of the candidate list for Ceva Logistics.
Friedberg spent six years at Ceva’s helm, during which time he managed the integration of several strategic acquisitions and its rise to a top global 3PL. In his new role, he will oversee artificial intelligence, IT cybersecurity, startup accelerator Zebox and management consulting firm CMA Conseil.
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