Zim picks Chen Lichtenstein as next CEO amid Hapag-Lloyd deal scrutiny
Leadership change comes as government agencies weigh approval of landmark transaction.
Chen Lichtenstein will be appointed CEO of the shipping company Zim, replacing Eli Glickman. Calcalist has learned that Zim's board of directors selected Lichtenstein for the position against the backdrop of the proposed acquisition of the company by Germany's Hapag-Lloyd and Israel's FIMI fund.
The transaction is currently facing opposition from several government bodies, including the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture, as well as the Shipping and Ports Authority. Given the restrictions associated with the state's golden share in Zim, there is uncertainty as to whether the deal will ultimately receive approval. Nevertheless, Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI remain confident that the transaction will be completed.
Lichtenstein is regarded as one of the most senior Israeli executives to have reached top leadership positions in global corporations. In early 2024, he stepped down from his role as CFO of the agrochemicals giant Syngenta Group.
He had previously been considered a leading candidate to succeed former Syngenta Group CEO Erik Fyrwald and had undergone a preparation process that included executive mentoring for the role. However, in October, Syngenta announced the appointment of Jeff Rowe as its new CEO.
Before joining Syngenta, Lichtenstein served for many years as CEO of the Israeli agrochemicals company Adama. He continued to lead the company after its acquisition by ChemChina in 2016.
In early 2020, following the merger of ChemChina's and Sinochem's agricultural assets into the newly established Syngenta Group, Lichtenstein left Adama and was appointed CFO of the global agricultural holding company.
