Constellation Cold Logistics Names Abhy Maharaj CEO

LONDON: Constellation Cold Logistics has named Abhy Maharaj its next chief executive, effective Oct. 1, 2026, the company said in a Sept. 23 release distributed by PR Newswire.

Maharaj succeeds Carlos Rodriguez, who has led the company for four years. Rodriguez will move to the advisory board and support Constellation's mergers and acquisitions strategy.

An Internal Pick After 19 Months

Maharaj is not an outside hire. He joined Constellation in February 2025 as chief commercial officer. Chair Nils S. Andersen said that in that role Maharaj had shown he understands the markets, works well with customers and has led "the transformation and integration work."

Before Constellation, Maharaj held board and executive roles at NewCold Coöperatief, which develops and runs highly automated cold storage warehouses. Earlier he spent 11 years in senior executive positions at Fonterra Cooperative Group, which the release describes as the world's largest dairy exporter, with sales in 130 countries.

That mix of automation and food supply chain experience fits the business he is taking over. Rodriguez said as much, describing Maharaj as a leader with "automation and technology capabilities" and a record in growth and operational excellence.

Rodriguez Built the Platform Through Deals

Rodriguez endorsed his successor publicly. "He has proven to be an innovative, collaborative and results focused leader with a track record in growing businesses, transformation and operational excellence," he said, adding that Maharaj "has the Advisory Board's full support to successfully implement the company's strategic plan."

There is one loose end in the wording. Andersen's statement says Rodriguez "will join the board," while the release describes a move to the advisory board. The company has not clarified whether those are the same body.

Andersen credited Rodriguez with turning Constellation into a European leader "through acquisitions and developing new capacities in cooperation with our customers." His new brief, supporting the company's M&A strategy, shows acquisitions remain part of the plan, though the release named no targets.

Constellation describes itself as Europe's leading independent cold storage and logistics provider. It operates in ten European countries, has 1.2 million pallet positions of capacity and has several expansion projects under way.

Customers, Growth and the Operating Platform

Andersen said the focus under Maharaj will stay on "customer needs, growth opportunities and strengthening the operating platform." Maharaj said he wants to keep working closely with customers and suppliers "to improve the European cold chain market," and credited Rodriguez with leaving "a cohesive culture and sound growth pipeline." He called the appointment "an honour and privilege" and said he is committed to leading the people "who make Constellation a great company."

Cold storage is a capital-heavy business, since warehouses must hold low temperatures around the clock. NewCold built its model on highly automated sites, and TradeFlock has covered how warehouse automation is reshaping U.S. logistics, and Maharaj's time at NewCold gives him direct experience with that model.

Handover Date Set for Oct. 1

The change takes effect on Oct. 1, the same day CordenPharma's new chief executive, Jean-Luc Herbeaux, starts in Basel. Both companies chose to keep their outgoing leaders involved, Rodriguez on Constellation's advisory board and Michael Quirmbach on CordenPharma's board.

The release did not include financial figures, ownership details or a timeline for the expansion projects. Those are the details to watch once Maharaj takes charge, along with any acquisitions that come out of Rodriguez's new role.