Early Life
Jacques Saadé Jr. was born in 1971 in Lebanon to Jacques Saadé Sr., who would later found the CMA CGM Group. In 1978, his family relocated to Marseille, France, due to the escalating conflict in Lebanon. This move marked a significant turning point, as it set the stage for Jacques Jr.'s future involvement in the shipping industry. Growing up, he was exposed to the family's business, learning the intricacies of global shipping from a young age.
Rise to Success
After the passing of his father in 2018, Jacques Saadé Jr. inherited a significant role in the family business. He, along with his siblings, Tanya Saadé Zeenny and Rodolphe Saadé, and his mother Naila, jointly control CMA CGM. Jacques serves as the head of the company's real estate assets. His career has been focused on upholding and expanding the family's legacy in the shipping industry.
Key Business Strategies
Jacques Saadé Jr.'s role involves overseeing CMA CGM's real estate holdings, a crucial aspect of the company's operations. His strategic focus likely involves optimizing real estate assets to support the company's global network, which includes offices, warehouses, and port terminals in numerous countries. This includes expansion and sustainable initiatives. Under his and his family's leadership, CMA CGM has invested billions in new vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol, demonstrating a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. In 2025, the company invested $2.5 billion to continue expanding its portfolio of 66 terminals across 40 countries.
Philanthropy
The Saadé family is involved in philanthropic activities. The CMA CGM Foundation, established by Jacques Saadé Sr. in 2005, supports humanitarian efforts. In 2024, the family announced they would give a boost to the Louvre's new curatorial department for Byzantine and Eastern Christian Art. The family is deeply rooted to its Mediterranean origins.