FedEx Corp. (FedEx) has announced several leadership roles as the company makes progress to separate its less-than-truckload (LTL) freight division.

The American logistics behemoth said John A. Smith, chief operating officer, U.S. and Canada, of Federal Express, has been selected to serve as the president and CEO of FedEx Freight, and R. Brad Martin, vice chairman of the FedEx Corp. board of directors, has agreed to serve as chairman of the board of FedEx Freight.

Both appointments will be effective upon completion of the previously announced separation of FedEx Freight from FedEx Corp.

FedEx said plans for the spin-off, which is expected to occur by June 2026, remain on track.

"I cannot think of two individuals with more knowledge of, or commitment to, the long-term success of the FedEx Freight business than John Smith and Brad Martin," said Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx Corp.

"Together they have the track record and expertise to successfully lead this new and exciting chapter for the independent FedEx Freight company."

Prior to the separation,  FedEx said in the announcement that Smith will continue in his current role, which includes leadership of the FedEx Freight business in addition to U.S. and Canada ground operations of Federal Express.

He has been a member of the FedEx Freight team (and its predecessor companies) for 25 years of his more than 30 years in the industry.

FedEx noted that Smith grew the company’s revenue and operating income while safely navigating the team through the challenging dynamics associated with the pandemic from 2018 until 2021, as president and CEO of the FedEx Freight business.

Meanwhile, Martin chairs the FedEx Corp. Audit and Finance Committee and led the board’s strategic analysis of the FedEx Freight business that resulted in the separation decision. It is expected that he will remain on the FedEx Corp. board of directors while also serving as chairman of the board of the new FedEx Freight entity.

The company also previously appointed Tom Connolly as vice president of LTL Sales. 

FedEx  announced its plans for FedEx Freight to become a separate company on December 19, resulting in the largest publicly traded less-than-truckload carrier.

The American parcel giant said the separation is expected to be executed within the next 18 months since, and FedEx and FedEx Freight will continue to pursue their growth strategies and the separation will allow for more customized operational execution along with more tailored investment and capital allocation strategies to serve the unique and evolving needs of both the global parcel and LTL markets.

FedEx Freight ranks as the top LTL carrier on various lists including InTek's Top 10 LTL freight companies as well as Journal of Commerce's Top 25 LTL carriers.