John A. Smith
COO, US and Canada, Federal Express; incoming President and CEO, FedEx Freight
2024 – Present
2 years (current)
Key Decisions & Impact
Smith, unrelated to founder Frederick Smith despite sharing a surname, has spent 25 of his more than 30 years in the logistics industry at FedEx Freight, including a stint as its president and CEO from 2018 to 2021, during which he grew the unit's revenue and operating income while navigating the pandemic. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for US and Canada at Federal Express and was named to become President and CEO of the standalone FedEx Freight company once its separation from FedEx Corp. completes.
Legacy
Smith's appointment gives the newly independent FedEx Freight a CEO with direct prior experience running the same business unit, intended to provide operating continuity through the spin-off FedEx expected to complete around mid-2026. His three decades in the logistics industry, entirely within FedEx-affiliated businesses, gave the newly independent FedEx Freight a CEO with no external-company adjustment period required. FedEx leadership transitions have historically emphasized long internal tenures, consistent with founder Fred Smiths preference for institutional continuity over frequent outside hires.