Strong mobilization to welcome CEVA Logistics employees in Provence

Deployment of a relocation support system that proved successful

In 2019, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics based in Marseille since its creation in 1978, decided to relocate the headquarters of CEVA Logistics, its new subsidiary.

Jeroen Akerboom, Radjeskoemar Somaroe and Julieta Gorbato are among the employees of CEVA Logistics who moved to Marseille area on the heels of this landmark decision which will turn the city into a global hub of excellence in logistics.

Prime Minister Édouard Philippe traveled to Marseille on November 14, 2019, to inaugurate the new offices, declaring it "excellent news for the company, the city, the French economy and, by extension, the entire country".

To provide the most relevant support to the CEVA executives and their families ‒ hailing from 25 distinct countries ‒ as they begin their new lives, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Area, the Cities of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, Provence Promotion and Apex sprang into action. In just a few months, 70 families moved into the region from other countries. Three employees share their stories...

Were you familiar with Aix-Marseille-Provence before you came?

Radjeskoemar Somaroe: Although I was familiar with Marseille from having vacationed here, the idea of moving definitively was another matter altogether. My family was reluctant to live in a big city, so Aix ended up being a good compromise. Thanks to Provence Promotion, which arranged a tour of the region and helped us with documentation, we were able to get a better sense of things.

Jeroen Akerboom: Marseille has changed massively in the last few years. The terrain around Provence is perfect for sports: mountain biking, trail running in the Calanques, water sports, etc. When I came on a recon trip in March 2019, I was struck by that reality. So I packed my bags, sold my apartment and here I am!

Julieta Gorbato: I had visited France, but I was not acquainted with Marseille. To be frank, I had never heard of Marseille until the question of my transferring there from Argentina was raised. What appealed to me the most is that Marseille is a Mediterranean city with great weather. Its ideal geographic location makes it really easy to travel to all the capitals of Europe.

> Find out more about Provence Promotion's mobility services

What kind of assistance did you receive for your relocation? For what specific aspects did you get help? 

Radjes Somaroe: An exploratory tour of Aix and Marseille enabled us to identify the best neighborhoods for our lifestyle. We visited the schools our children would attend, which was very important to us. Where to live, where to go out and what to do in the area, but also some of the more unusual attractions. Thanks to Provence Promotion and the relocation agency, we were able to focus on our real estate search. We even got precious information about the neighborhood, the best local shops and how to use the public transit network. The agency also helped us schedule electricity and internet hook-ups. All the more useful since we don't speak French!

Radjes Somaroe 
Global Head of Compensation & Benefits
Lived previously in Amersfoort (Amsterdam)
Married with three daughters, aged 10, 12 and 14.

Jeroen Akerboom:  The relocation agency helped me find an apartment in Marseille. My colleagues gave me a hand in filling out the social security and tax paperwork. Because my employer has good relationships with local banks, it was quite easy to open an account.

Julieta Gorbato: We got a very warm, personalized welcome tailored to our family make-up, our preferences and our lifestyle. The agency gave us precious advice about the best places to live, which school to pick with academic support in Spanish to help our daughter. The relocation agency assisted with the immigration formalities. We received general information about the region, choosing an apartment, and neighborhoods as well as special tips for spouses.

Now it has been a few months since you arrived. How are you feeling?

Jeroen Akerboom: I am truly delighted. I love the landscape and escaping into the Calanques. The road to Cassis is absolutely stunning. Plus there is the mild Mediterranean climate that means I can run in shorts in the middle of December. While the Dutch grab a quick bite between noon and two, the French take it much more seriously, which I like!

Jeroen Akerboom
Tax Reporting Manager
Lived in Zaandam, a town 8 miles north of Amsterdam
Single.

Radjes Somaroe: I am very happy with my new home and my neighborhood. Thanks to the prep work, I did not encounter any unpleasant surprises. At night, I explore the city on long walks. Now I have to establish a social life by joining a sports club or an association.

Julieta Gorbato: I feel good; I'm still taking care of some of the details of the move. That is normal when you relocate to another country. We are really pleased with the neighborhood we chose and my daughter is flourishing at school. We still have many places to discover in Marseille and the outlying area.

Julieta Gorbato
Ocean Process Transformation Manager
Lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Married with one daughter, age six.