The global transport and logistics industry has lost a pioneer following the death of FedEx founder and long‑time chairman and CEO, Frederick W Smith.
Smith, who revolutionised global commerce with an air‑to‑ground express delivery model, died of natural causes on June 21 in Memphis. He was 80.
“Frederick W Smith pioneered express delivery and connected the world, shaping global commerce as we know it,” said FedEx president and CEO Raj Subramaniam.
“His legacy of innovation, leadership and philanthropy will continue to inspire future generations.
“I will miss not only his visionary leadership, but his trusted friendship and counsel.”
Born in Marks, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis, Smith was an entrepreneur from an early age.
At Yale College, he worked as a charter pilot and conceived the idea of an integrated air‑to‑ground express service. After graduating in 1966, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts.
“He left the Marine Corps in 1970 as a captain, and would often joke that he received his ‘business degree’ from the USMC,” FedEx said in a statement.
Smith launched Federal Express in 1973 with 14 Dassault Falcon jets and a bold vision to transform the shipping industry.
Under his leadership, the company grew from a tiny start‑up to a multinational powerhouse that connects more than 220 countries and territories, moves nearly $2 trillion in goods each year, and delivers over 17 million shipments daily.
“Smith’s pioneering approach not only created an industry leader but also set new standards for customer focus with the renowned Purple Promise, a globally consistent People‑Service‑Profit culture, and a brand trusted by shippers and recipients around the world,” FedEx said.
In 2022, after serving as one of the longest‑tenured CEOs of a Fortune 100 company, Smith stepped aside to become founder and executive chairman of FedEx Corporation, focusing on global priorities like sustainability and innovation.
Throughout his career, Smith was deeply committed to philanthropy, serving as a trustee for the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the American Battle Monuments Foundation.
He held numerous directorships across business and charitable organisations, including St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Mayo Foundation.
“He was a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of numerous charitable causes,” FedEx said.
Closer to home, Smith remained dedicated to Memphis, supporting education, healthcare, sports, the arts and community development.
“Through philanthropic support of education, healthcare, sports, the arts and community development, he helped shape Memphis for the better, always believing in the power of giving back to the place he proudly called home,” FedEx said.
Smith leaves his wife, Diane, eight children, 31 grandchildren and two great‑grandchildren.
Frederick W Smith with one of the first aircraft.
Source: Academy of Achievement.
