Billionaire Profile
Jacques Saadé Jr
Global Rank
#463

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jacques Saadé Jr

CEO, CMA CGM
FR
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.8B
As of December 2025
Age
54
Source
Shipping
Industry
logistics
Citizenship
FR

Biography

Jacques Saadé Jr., a French citizen, is the son of Jacques Saadé, the founder of CMA CGM, one of the world's largest shipping companies. Born in 1971, Jacques Jr. is currently 54 years old and serves as the head of CMA CGM's real estate assets. His wealth primarily stems from his involvement in the shipping and logistics industry. As of December 5, 2025, his estimated net worth is $7.8 billion. Jacques Jr. jointly controls the company with his siblings, Tanya Saadé Zeenny and Rodolphe Saadé, as well as his mother Naila. The CMA CGM Group, with revenues of $55.5 billion in 2024, operates a vast fleet of over 500 vessels, serving 420 commercial ports across 160 countries.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jacques Saadé Jr. was born in Marseille, France, and is the son of Jacques Saadé, who founded CMA CGM in 1978. His father, a visionary entrepreneur, established the company with a single vessel, eventually building it into a global shipping giant. Jacques Jr. grew up in Marseille, where CMA CGM's headquarters are located, fostering a deep connection to the family business and the city.

Rise to Success

Jacques Saadé Jr. received a BTS in commercial action from Pigier, a business school in France, between 1994 and 1996. He serves as the head of CMA CGM’s real estate assets. Jacques Jr. now jointly controls the company with his siblings Rodolphe and Tanya, as well as their mother. The company has grown to be the world's third-largest container shipping company.

Key Business Strategies

CMA CGM, under the Saadé family's leadership, has employed several key strategies for success. The company has expanded its operations and market presence through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including acquiring CGM in 1996. CMA CGM has focused on high-growth trade routes and invested in technological innovations and sustainable practices, such as LNG-powered ships, to remain competitive. Furthermore, the Group has been expanding into logistics and port infrastructure, with a network that includes 60 port terminals in 30 countries.

Philanthropy

Information on specific philanthropy amounts is not readily available in the search results. However, the Saadé family has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through the CMA CGM Foundation.

Career Milestones

1978

CMA CGM Founded

Jacques Saadé Sr. founded Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement (CMA), which later became CMA CGM.

1996

Acquisition of CGM

CMA acquired Compagnie Générale Maritime (CGM), forming CMA CGM.

2017

Rodolphe Saadé Appointed CEO

Jacques Saadé Sr. appointed his son, Rodolphe Saadé, as CEO of CMA CGM.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Corporate Social Responsibility

CMA CGM Foundation

Undisclosed

Heads the company's corporate social responsibility department and the CMA CGM Foundation.