Fred Smith, founder of the US parcel delivery giant Federal Express, has died at the age of 80, the company has announced. Mr Smith founded the firm in 1973 having previously served in the US Marine Corps. He ran the company as CEO until 2022. "Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx," current boss Raj Subramaniam wrote in a memo to staff. Born in 1944, Mr Smith started FedEx with 389 staff and 14 small planes that carried 186 packages from Memphis to 25 cities within the US. "He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all. He was also a proud father, grandfather, husband, Marine, and friend," Mr Subramaniam said. FedEx now has more than 500,000 employees across the globe and delivers millions of packages a day. Its operations involve 705 aircraft and 200,000 vehicles, according to its website.
Federal Express founder Fred Smith dies aged 80
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"Fred Smith, Founder of Federal Express, Dies at Age 80"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Fred Smith, the visionary founder of Federal Express, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by the company. Smith established FedEx in 1973, drawing upon his experiences as a former Marine Corps officer. He served as the company's CEO until 2022, guiding its evolution from a modest operation with just 389 employees and 14 aircraft to a global logistics powerhouse with over 500,000 employees and a fleet of 705 planes. Under his leadership, FedEx transformed the parcel delivery industry, pioneering innovations that have made it a household name and a critical component of global commerce. In a heartfelt memo to employees, current CEO Raj Subramaniam reflected on Smith's profound impact, describing him as the 'heart and soul of FedEx' and highlighting his role as a mentor and inspiration to countless individuals within the company and beyond.
Born in 1944, Fred Smith's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to service shaped not only the trajectory of FedEx but also set a standard for excellence in the logistics sector. His dedication extended beyond business; he was a proud father, grandfather, husband, and a respected Marine. Smith's legacy is evident in FedEx's current operations, which involve delivering millions of packages daily through an extensive network of vehicles and aircraft. The company has grown to become synonymous with reliable delivery services, a testament to Smith's initial vision and relentless pursuit of innovation. His passing marks the end of an era for FedEx, as employees and industry peers alike remember his contributions to the company and the broader logistics industry, ensuring that his influence will be felt for years to come.
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