Frederick W. Smith, the trailblazing founder of FedEx who transformed the global logistics industry, has passed away. The company announced his passing on Saturday. Smith launched the company, originally known as Federal Express, in the 1970s with a small fleet of just over a dozen planes.
From that audacious start, he built a global powerhouse, fundamentally changing how businesses and consumers send and receive packages overnight. He served as the company’s chief executive for five decades before stepping down in 2022.
Current CEO Raj Subramaniam, who succeeded Smith, shared the news in a heartfelt memo to employees.
“Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company,” Subramaniam wrote. “He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all.”
