Israeli liner operator ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has appointed Chen Lichtenstein as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, selecting a leader from outside the traditional shipping industry at a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
Lichtenstein will officially assume the role on July 1, succeeding Eli Glickman, who announced in April that he would step down after years at the helm of the carrier.
The leadership transition comes as ZIM continues to navigate a proposed $4.2 billion acquisition by Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli investment fund FIMI Opportunity Funds. Although shareholders have already approved the transaction, the deal remains subject to regulatory clearance and continues to face scrutiny from several Israeli government bodies.
Against this backdrop, ZIM’s board opted for a candidate with extensive experience in corporate leadership, financial management, mergers and post-acquisition integration rather than a traditional shipping executive.
Prior to joining Syngenta Group Lichtenstein was Chief Financial Officer of Syngenta Group from 2020-2023. In addition to overseeing finance, he played a key role in the company’s strategic planning, integration programmes and productivity initiatives.
Prior to Syngenta, he led ADAMA through a period of significant expansion and helped manage its integration into the agricultural operations of ChemChina.
Earlier in his career, Lichtenstein spent seven years at Goldman Sachs in New York and London, where he worked on major financing and acquisition transactions, building extensive experience in complex corporate deals.
ZIM Chairman Yair Seroussi said the new CEO brings a rare combination of management, financial and strategic expertise that will be valuable as the company enters its next phase of development.
For his part, Lichtenstein described the appointment as an honour and highlighted ZIM’s status as a global Israeli company with a strong international presence.
“ZIM operates in a dynamic, competitive and complex market,” he said. “I attach great importance to maintaining the company’s stability, strengthening its performance and business capabilities, and continuing to create value for customers, employees, partners and shareholders.”
The appointment comes while the company continues to await a final decision on the proposed acquisition by Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI. The transaction has attracted attention from several Israeli authorities, partly because of restrictions linked to the state’s golden share in the carrier. Despite the ongoing review process, both Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI have repeatedly expressed confidence that the deal will ultimately receive the necessary approvals.
With a major ownership change potentially on the horizon and market conditions remaining highly competitive, Lichtenstein will take over leadership of ZIM at one of the most strategically important moments in the company’s recent history.
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