Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Fredrick Wallace “Fred” Smith, the founder and executive chairman of FedEx, passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 80. A decorated Marine Corps veteran, Smith served two tours in Vietnam, earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts, and later translated his leadership skills into a groundbreaking business career.

Humble beginnings, bold aspirations

Born on August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi, Smith graduated from Yale University in 1966. While still a student, he penned a college term paper proposing a national overnight delivery system—a concept that would eventually reshape global logistics. In 1971, using a $4 million inheritance and $91 million in venture capital, he launched Federal Express

Humble beginnings, bold aspirations

Born on August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi, Smith graduated from Yale University in 1966. While still a student, he penned a college term paper proposing a national overnight delivery system—a concept that would eventually reshape global logistics.

The birth of FedEx

In April 1973, FedEx began operations with 14 small jets flying between 25 U.S. cities, delivering 186 packages on its first night. Smith’s “hub-and-spoke” network—centering logistics around a single hub—became the backbone of overnight parcel delivery, enabling businesses to reduce inventory and rely on rapid shipment.

Building a global powerhouse

Over the decades, Smith guided FedEx’s expansion into a logistics titan. Today, FedEx operates 705 aircraft, over 200,000 ground vehicles, and more than 500,000 employees across 5,000 facilities worldwide, handling an average of 17 million shipments per business day. Smith stepped down as CEO in June 2022 and transitioned to the role of executive chairman, with Raj Subramaniam succeeding him. Under Smith’s ongoing guidance, the company emphasized board governance, innovation, and sustainability.

Legacy and recognition

Throughout his life, Smith received numerous honors: he was listed among Forbes’s “100 Greatest Living Business Minds,” named to Time and Fortune’s most influential companies lists, and inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also co-chair of the U.S. World War II Memorial and recipient of honorary degrees. Smith quietly supported philanthropy, notably funding scholarships for military families and contributing to educational foundations.

His passing has led to tributes from colleagues and civic leaders. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam described him as “the heart and soul of FedEx,” emphasizing his role as mentor, Marine, father, grandfather, and inspiration.

In a Nutshell:

• Fredrick W. Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx, died on June 21, 2025, aged 80.
• He was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts.
• Smith conceived the idea of overnight delivery as a Yale student in the 1960s.
• FedEx launched in 1973 with 14 planes and 186 packages shipped on the first night.
• Under his leadership, the company grew into a global logistics leader with 17 million daily shipments.
• He stepped down as CEO in June 2022, handing leadership to Raj Subramaniam, but remained executive chairman.
• Smith received multiple accolades and supported military families through philanthropy.