FedEx Corp. has named R. Brad Martin as chairman of the board following the death of founder and executive chairman Frederick Smith.

The company also voted to reduce the board to 12 members, according to a regulatory filing.

Martin previously held the role of vice chairman and chairs the board's audit and finance committees, which he will continue in addition to his new role.

FedEx announced Martin's new role following the passing of Smith, the founder, executive chairman, and long-time chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation, on June 21, 2025.

 Frederick W. Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx Corp., who also served as its longtime chairman and CEO. (Source: FedEx)

"The board, executive leadership team, and employees of FedEx extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Smith's family and express profound gratitude for his vision, leadership, and extraordinary contributions to FedEx, the country, and the world," the report said.

Smith founded Federal Express in 1973 with 14 Dassault Falcon jets, introducing a new model for express delivery that transformed global logistics. Today, the company employs more than 500,000 people, serves over 220 countries and territories, and handles nearly US$2 trillion in goods and more than 17 million shipments each day.

Born on August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith entered Yale College in 1962 to pursue a degree in economics. While at Yale, he worked as a charter pilot.

FedEx said it was at Yale where Smith conceived the idea for an integrated air-to-ground system that would ensure overnight delivery, a concept that would eventually become Federal Express.

After graduating from Yale in 1966, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), eventually leaving in 1970 as a captain.

In 2022, Smith stepped down as CEO of FedEx to become executive chairman, shifting his focus to board governance and global policy priorities, including sustainability, innovation and trade facilitation.

"Frederick W. Smith pioneered express delivery and connected the world, shaping global commerce as we know it. His legacy of innovation, leadership, and philanthropy will continue to inspire future generations," Raj Subramaniam, president & CEO of FedEx, said in a company post.