Israeli container shipping company ZIM has appointed Chen Lichtenstein as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, selecting a leader from outside the maritime sector at a pivotal moment in the company’s history as it awaits approval for its proposed acquisition by Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd.
Lichtenstein will officially succeed long-serving CEO Eli Glickman on July 1. Glickman announced in April that he would step down after years leading the New York-listed carrier through some of the most volatile periods in the container shipping industry.
The leadership transition comes as ZIM remains at the center of a proposed $4.2 billion acquisition involving Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli investment fund FIMI. While shareholders have already approved the transaction, the deal still requires regulatory clearance and continues to face scrutiny from several Israeli government authorities.
Against this backdrop, ZIM’s board has opted for a candidate whose expertise lies in global corporate leadership, mergers, acquisitions and business integration rather than traditional shipping operations.
Most recently, Lichtenstein served as Chief Financial Officer of Syngenta Group from 2020 to 2023. In this role he was responsible for financial management, as well as strategic initiatives, integration projects and productivity programs. Prior to that role, he led ADAMA through a significant period of expansion and played a key role in the company’s integration into ChemChina’s agricultural business.
Earlier in his career, Lichtenstein spent seven years with Goldman Sachs in New York and London, participating in major international financing and acquisition transactions that helped shape his reputation as a seasoned corporate strategist.
ZIM Chairman Yair Seroussi said the board believes Lichtenstein possesses the combination of management, financial and strategic expertise required to guide the company through its next chapter.
For his part, Lichtenstein expressed pride in joining what he described as a globally recognized Israeli company with a strong heritage and international footprint.
“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.”
His appointment comes as the company continues to await regulatory approval for the Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI transaction. The proposed acquisition has drawn attention from several Israeli government bodies, particularly because of restrictions associated with the state’s golden share in the carrier.
Despite the ongoing review process, both Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI have repeatedly stated their confidence that the acquisition will ultimately receive the necessary approvals.
With a major ownership transition potentially on the horizon and a new chief executive preparing to take charge, ZIM is entering a decisive phase that could reshape both its leadership structure and its long-term strategic direction within the global container shipping market.
- Latest
- Trending
ADVERTISEMENT
