ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) announced that its president and chief executive officer, Eli Glickman, will step down from the top job.

In a statement, ZIM Glickman informed the Board of Directors of his decision, although he will continue to serve as chief executive officer of the company during a six-month notice period, to ensure orderly operations during the interim period until his replacement assumes the role.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of ZIM intends to initiate a search process to select a successor to Glickman in the coming weeks.

Glickman's departure from ZIM comes as the Israeli international cargo shipping company continues merger talks with Hapag-Lloyd.

In the statement announcing his decision to step down, Glickman reflected on his tenure and the company's transformation.

"When I joined ZIM nine years ago, I did so after deep deliberation, but with absolute clarity of purpose. I believed in this company, I believed in its people, and I believed that with the right strategy, discipline, and courage, we could transform ZIM into a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient global player. Together, we did exactly that."

"Over these years, ZIM delivered what can only be described as an astounding turnaround, achieving results that, at points, were unprecedented for the company and restoring pride in the ZIM name across the industry. None of this belongs to one person. It belongs to the extraordinary ZIM team, colleagues across the globe who showed professionalism, determination, and heart every single day. I am profoundly proud of what we achieved together, and I am grateful to every employee, in every country and every function, for the role they played in that success."

"In recent months, the company's Board promoted a merger process with Hapag-Lloyd. I respect the Board's decision, however, after reflection, I concluded that I cannot continue as CEO of ZIM. I have always put my heart and soul into this position. For me, leadership is not a title — it is a commitment, and it must be aligned with the journey ahead," Glickman added.

"One of my central aims throughout this period was to help secure the future of ZIM's dedicated employees. Our employees have also lived through a very challenging period of war, and I have felt a deep responsibility to lead with steadiness and care. With the transition process underway, I believe this is the right moment to move ahead," he said.

"I will remain fully committed throughout the notice period to ensure continuity, stability, and an orderly transition, and to support the Board and the leadership team as they prepare the company for its next chapter. I will always remain proud of ZIM, and proud to have served alongside the people who make it what it is," the ZIM chief executive further said.

German Hapag-Lloyd announced in February that it is acquiring ZIM in a US$4.2 billion deal, expected to close by late 2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals — reinforcing Hapag-Lloyd's position as the world's fifth-largest container line.