Leadership Transition: Raj Subramaniam Takes the Helm as FedEx CEO

FedEx Corporation has unveiled a significant executive restructuring, with veteran leader Raj Subramaniam stepping into the role of President and CEO, while founder Frederick W. Smith transitions to Executive Chairman. The transition takes effect on June 1, 2022.

The New Leadership Structure

Under the revised organizational framework, Smith will pivot toward Board governance and strategic initiatives spanning global sustainability, innovation, and public policy matters. Subramaniam, previously serving as President and Chief Operating Officer, assumes full operational and strategic leadership of the $92 billion transportation and logistics giant. Notably, the Chief Operating Officer position will remain unfilled as part of this streamlined structure.

R. Brad Martin, who chairs the Board’s Audit Committee, has been elevated to non-executive Vice Chairman and is positioned as the Board’s designated successor for the Chairman role. David P. Steiner, leading the Governance, Safety, and Public Policy Committee, maintains his position as Lead Independent Director. Both Smith and Subramaniam now report directly to the Board of Directors.

Subramaniam’s Path to the Top

Subramaniam brings over three decades of international experience in strategy and operations to the CEO position. His career at FedEx spans since 1991, encompassing roles as President and CEO of FedEx Express—the world’s foremost express transportation operation—as well as leadership positions across Asia, Canada, and corporate headquarters. His tenure in strategy and marketing roles positioned him to lead the company through a period of substantial expansion. He joined the FedEx Board of Directors in 2020 and retains his seat while assuming the CEO role.

Visionary Leadership Perspectives

“FedEx has redefined connectivity and possibility for 50 years,” Smith reflected on the transition. “With Raj at the helm, I’m confident our company will reach unprecedented heights. My focus as Executive Chairman will address governance excellence and critical global challenges—from climate action to breakthrough innovation and international policy engagement.”

Lead Independent Director David P. Steiner emphasized the Board’s confidence: “Raj represents an accomplished, battle-tested executive with the Board’s full backing. His three-decade track record navigating international markets and driving operational excellence positions him to elevate FedEx to new levels of achievement.”

Subramaniam underscored continuity and ambition: “Fred’s visionary leadership established one of the world’s most admired enterprises. I’m honored to build upon this legacy as we reshape our company and define what’s ahead. Our people-service-profit framework will remain central to everything we do. Our 600,000 global team members have already sparked transformative ideas, and together we’ll create fresh value for employees, clients, and investors.”

About FedEx’s Scale and Impact

Operating under the FedEx banner with annual revenues reaching $92 billion, the organization delivers integrated business solutions through multiple operating entities working collectively and competing in distinct markets. The company maintains recognition as one of the world’s most admired and trusted employers, with a workforce approaching 600,000 professionals distributed globally. FedEx has committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040 as part of its broader sustainability mandate.