Frederick Smith, the founder and former CEO of FedEx Corp, has passed away, as announced by current CEO Raj Subramaniam in a memo to staff posted on the company’s website. Smith, who was born in 1944, played a pivotal role in the creation and growth of the global delivery giant, starting with a modest fleet of aircraft in the 1970s. His most recent role was executive chairman, where he contributed to the company’s governance and addressed key global issues such as sustainability, innovation, and public policy.
Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022, passing the leadership baton to Subramaniam, then the company’s chief operating officer. Subramaniam described Smith as more than a corporate leader — he was a mentor and an inspiration to many within the organization. Under Smith’s vision and guidance, FedEx grew from a fledgling operation into a dominant force in the logistics industry, fundamentally transforming the way packages are shipped around the world.
FedEx Founder Frederick Smith Dies After Decades of Shaping Global Shipping IndustryFrom Battlefield to Boardroom Smith Built FedEx into a Global Logistics Giant
Smith’s journey to founding FedEx was marked by service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, an experience that likely shaped his leadership and strategic outlook. He officially launched Federal Express in 1973 with a team of 389 employees and just 14 planes. The company’s first operation delivered 186 packages to 25 cities across the United States, operating out of Memphis, Tennessee, a location that remains central to FedEx operations today.
Since then, FedEx has experienced exponential growth, now boasting a fleet of 705 aircraft and over 200,000 vehicles. The company operates through around 5,000 facilities globally, employing more than 500,000 people and managing the shipment of roughly 17 million packages daily. Smith’s vision not only created a powerhouse in the delivery industry but also established a legacy of innovation and logistical excellence that continues to impact global commerce.
