Across the Atlantic, Carrefour is undergoing its own seismic shift. The Saadé family, led by shipping magnate Rodolphe Saadé (of CMA CGM), has acquired a 4% stake in the retailer, making them Carrefour’s second-largest shareholder. What’s more, Rodolphe Saadé is joining Carrefour’s board as an independent director starting December 1, 2025.
This change reflects more than just a shift in ownership — it’s a strategic recalibration. The Saadé family’s investment fills the space left by the exit of Peninsula, a holding company long associated with Carrefour. By aligning themselves with Carrefour, the Saadés are signaling belief in the retailer’s long-term transformation — one that balances innovation, operational discipline, and environmental sustainability.
Rodolphe Saadé has publicly stated that Carrefour’s direction resonates with his family’s values: governance rigor, sustainability, and forward-looking growth. As a board member, he is poised to influence Carrefour’s strategic initiatives, especially in digital retail, supply chain optimization, and store format evolution.
For Carrefour, having a heavyweight like the Saadé family on board could inject both financial muscle and strategic vision. Over the coming years, this alliance might fuel new investments in omnichannel retail, smarter merchandising, and renewed expansion. It also stabilizes Carrefour’s shareholder structure, giving long-term backing to its transformation journey.