Restructuring of North America operations at Ceva Logistics announced, appoints new head executive
Ceva Logistics, the fifth largest global logistics service provider by gross revenue, is undergoing a significant restructuring of its North American operations. This move comes as the company integrates its operations with Bolloré Logistics, following a previous acquisition, under the leadership of Yves Laforgue.
Laforgue, who joined Ceva Logistics through the acquisition, brings over 30 years of executive experience at Bolloré Logistics. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Americas for the company. His mandate at Ceva Logistics includes aligning and coordinating regional initiatives, simplifying governance, and accelerating decision-making.
The restructuring aims to streamline coordination and enhance regional service integration within Ceva's North American operations. This focus on improved operational coherence is a strategic move to align the combined logistics services in North America, making the business more unified and competitive. The restructuring is also designed to support Ceva's broader global expansion goals, particularly in a complex market like North America.
The impact on Ceva's integration of Bolloré Logistics is significant. By improving regional service integration and coordination, the restructuring drives greater synergy between the two entities post-acquisition. This realignment under Laforgue's leadership is critical in creating a cohesive network, which is essential for efficient logistics operations in a market as vast and diverse as North America.
Meanwhile, CMA CGM Group, Ceva Logistics' parent company, has announced a $20 billion investment over four years in U.S. ocean, air cargo, and warehousing operations. This investment is part of CMA CGM's broader strategy to modernize and expand its operations in the United States.
The operations at Ceva Logistics have been described as "dysfunctional" by an anonymous employee. However, with the appointment of Laforgue and the subsequent restructuring, the company aims to ensure profitable growth, modernization, efficiency, and a focus on people in 2025.
In addition to his role as the North America coordinator, Laforgue will continue his duties as CEO for Ceva Logistics Air & Ocean North America. The company has also grown significantly over the past decade through CMA CGM acquisitions, including GEFCO, Ingram Micro's e-commerce and lifestyle services business, and Colis Privé Group.
Moreover, Ceva Logistics is currently involved in another acquisition, this time in Turkey. The company, which operated in 148 countries and employed 15,000 people prior to the acquisition, continues to expand its global footprint.
Bolloré, prior to the acquisition, was a major air and ocean freight management company with additional capabilities in contract logistics, multimodal transportation, and e-commerce logistics. Its integration under the Ceva Logistics brand over the past 18 months marks a significant step in the company's growth and development.
CMA CGM also launched its own all-cargo airline three years ago, further expanding its capabilities in the logistics sector. The company's investment in the United States is expected to further bolster its position as a major player in the global logistics industry.
[1] Source: Ceva Logistics press release, 2021.
- The restructuring of Ceva Logistics' North American operations, under the leadership of Yves Laforgue, aims to strengthen the supply chain and business performance by aligning and coordinating regional initiatives, particularly in the air cargo industry.
- CMA CGM Group, the parent company of Ceva Logistics, has announced a $20 billion investment over four years in U.S. ocean, air cargo, and warehousing operations, showing a commitment to finance the growth and modernization of its logistics business in a competitive market like North America.
