Introduction
The names rodolphe saade and greg hayes appear together in business searches because both executives have built careers around large international organizations, transportation, aviation, logistics, and complex corporate operations. However, the available public information does not establish a direct business partnership or significant personal relationship between them.
Rodolphe Saadé is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM, a major global shipping and logistics group. Greg Hayes, meanwhile, is a former leader of United Technologies and RTX who has moved into corporate board and governance roles. Their professional worlds overlap through industries such as aviation, transportation infrastructure, supply chains, and international commerce, but this industry connection should not be confused with a documented partnership.
Rodolphe Saade and Greg Hayes: Is There a Direct Business Connection?
There is no publicly documented deal, joint company, investment, family relationship, board position, or strategic partnership that directly connects rodolphe saade and greg hayes.
CMA CGM identifies Saadé as its Chairman and CEO. Hayes is no longer an RTX executive and now has corporate governance responsibilities, including his role as Lead Independent Director of Phillips 66 and his directorship at Becton, Dickinson and Company.
The distinction is important because executives can operate within related industries without having a personal or corporate relationship. In the case of rodolphe saade and greg hayes, their similarities are primarily found at the industry level.
Who Is Rodolphe Saadé?
Rodolphe Saadé is the Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group. Born in Lebanon in 1970, he studied business and marketing at Concordia University in Montreal. Before joining CMA CGM, he established a water-dispenser business.
Saadé joined CMA CGM in 1994 and developed his career within the family-founded transportation organization. He managed several shipping lines, became involved with major international routes, and eventually served as Vice Chairman and a member of the company’s board.
His leadership became particularly important during CMA CGM’s financial restructuring. He later directed major strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines and negotiations connected with the OCEAN Alliance.
In 2017, Saadé became CEO and later succeeded his father, Jacques Saadé, as Chairman.
CMA CGM’s Expansion Under Saadé
One of Saadé’s major leadership characteristics has been diversification. CMA CGM expanded beyond traditional container shipping into a much wider transportation and logistics network.
The group acquired control of CEVA Logistics in 2019 and subsequently expanded through businesses and acquisitions involving Ingram Micro’s Commerce & Lifecycle Services activities, GEFCO, Colis Privé, and Bolloré Logistics.
CMA CGM also established CMA CGM AIR CARGO in 2021. This gave the group a stronger presence in air freight alongside its maritime transportation, logistics, terminal, and media activities.
The company reported $54.4 billion in revenue for 2025, with EBITDA of $10.6 billion. Its shipping operations transported 24.2 million TEU during that year, while logistics generated $18.3 billion in revenue.
Who Is Greg Hayes?
Gregory J. Hayes is an American business executive known particularly for his leadership of United Technologies Corporation and later Raytheon Technologies, now known as RTX.
Hayes spent much of his professional career at United Technologies. He served as Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2014, became CEO in 2014, and was appointed Chairman in 2016.
His corporate background is different from Saadé’s. While Saadé developed his career within a family-controlled transportation company, Hayes spent decades working in finance, strategy, restructuring, and industrial and aerospace management.
Greg Hayes and United Technologies
During Hayes’ leadership period, United Technologies underwent significant structural changes. The company sold Sikorsky Aircraft in 2015 and acquired Rockwell Collins in 2018.
In 2020, Carrier and Otis were separated into independent companies. United Technologies’ remaining aerospace operations then combined with Raytheon Company.
The resulting organization became Raytheon Technologies and was later renamed RTX. Its principal businesses include Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, covering aircraft systems, engines, defense electronics, missiles, and other aerospace and defense technologies.
What Is Greg Hayes Doing Now?
Greg Hayes is no longer an executive at RTX. Christopher Calio became RTX CEO in May 2024, after which Hayes became Executive Chairman.
RTX announced in February 2025 that Hayes would leave the Executive Chairman role and the company’s board on April 30, 2025. He subsequently served as Special Advisor to the CEO until January 2, 2026.
In May 2026, Phillips 66 appointed Hayes Lead Independent Director. He also chairs its Nominating and Governance Committee and participates in other board committees.
Hayes is additionally a director of Becton, Dickinson and Company, commonly known as BD. These positions demonstrate his move from executive management toward corporate governance.
Why Do Rodolphe Saade and Greg Hayes Appear Connected?
The main connection between rodolphe saade and greg hayes is industrial rather than personal.
CMA CGM has developed a significant aviation operation through CMA CGM AIR CARGO. The company operates Boeing 777 freighters and an Airbus A330 freighter and has also ordered Airbus A350F aircraft.
Greg Hayes, on the other hand, spent decades leading businesses closely connected with the aerospace industry. RTX includes Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, while Raytheon operates within the defense sector.
Therefore, both executives have operated within the broad global aviation and transportation ecosystem. However, this does not provide evidence of a direct relationship between them.
There is no credible public announcement showing Hayes personally negotiating an aviation agreement with Saadé, joining a CMA CGM board, investing with the Saadé family, or becoming involved with a CMA CGM-controlled company.
Different Corporate Strategies
The business histories of rodolphe saade and greg hayes also show two distinct approaches to corporate growth.
Saadé has focused on expanding CMA CGM across different parts of the supply chain. The company’s activities now include freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehouses, ports, terminals, air cargo, inland transportation, e-commerce delivery, aircraft maintenance, and media.
In June 2026, CMA CGM expanded its aviation capabilities further by acquiring Crystal Aero Solutions, an aircraft-maintenance specialist.
Hayes followed a different path at United Technologies. Rather than continually adding unrelated operations, the company separated Carrier and Otis and concentrated its remaining aerospace activities through the combination with Raytheon.
RTX reported $88.6 billion in sales for 2025. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported $24.7 billion in quarterly sales and a backlog of $289 billion. These figures belong to the current RTX organization under Chris Calio and should not be attributed solely to Hayes.
Rodolphe Saade and Greg Hayes: Current Status in 2026
As of September 2026, Rodolphe Saadé remains Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM. The group continues to operate across shipping, logistics, terminals, and air cargo.
Greg Hayes is no longer an RTX executive or director. His special-advisor assignment ended in January 2026. His prominent current corporate roles include Lead Independent Director of Phillips 66 and membership on the BD board.
The available information does not establish a direct business relationship between rodolphe saade and greg hayes.
FAQ
Are Rodolphe Saadé and Greg Hayes business partners?
No verified public information identifies them as business partners. Saadé leads CMA CGM, while Hayes is a former RTX leader with current corporate board responsibilities.
Did Greg Hayes work for CMA CGM?
There is no credible public record showing that Greg Hayes worked for CMA CGM. His career was primarily connected with United Technologies, Raytheon Technologies, and RTX.
Does Rodolphe Saadé own RTX?
There is no public evidence that Rodolphe Saadé controls or owns RTX. He is primarily associated with CMA CGM and the Saadé family’s business interests.
Is Greg Hayes still CEO of RTX?
No. Christopher Calio became RTX CEO in May 2024. Hayes later served as Executive Chairman and then as Special Advisor, with his advisory role ending in January 2026.
What company does Rodolphe Saadé run?
Rodolphe Saadé is Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, which operates across container shipping, logistics, ports, terminals, air cargo, and media.
What does Greg Hayes do in 2026?
Greg Hayes is no longer part of RTX’s executive leadership. He became Lead Independent Director of Phillips 66 in May 2026 and also serves on the board of Becton, Dickinson and Company.
Conclusion
The available information shows that rodolphe saade and greg hayes are prominent executives whose careers intersect through broad industries such as transportation, aviation, logistics, and global supply chains. Nevertheless, no verified public evidence establishes a direct partnership, investment relationship, board connection, or personal business association between them. Saadé continues leading CMA CGM, while Hayes has transitioned from RTX leadership into corporate governance roles.
ukstory
