Fred Smith, an American business magnate and visionary, has left an indelible mark on the global transportation landscape as the founder and chairman of FedEx Corporation. Born on August 11, 1944, Smith’s journey to becoming one of the most successful transportation entrepreneurs commenced when, in 1970, he acquired a controlling interest in Ark Aviation Sales, an aircraft maintenance company. By 1971, Smith redirected its focus to trading used jets, laying the groundwork for his transformative vision.

On June 18, 1971, Smith actualized his vision by founding Federal Express with a $4 million inheritance, forever changing the face of express shipping. Under his leadership, FedEx evolved into the world’s largest transportation company. Smith’s strategic acumen propelled FedEx to unprecedented success, culminating in his role as CEO until June 1, 2022, when he transitioned to executive chairman, succeeded by Raj Subramaniam.

Beyond his corporate triumphs, Smith diversified his interests by purchasing a minority share of the Washington Commanders in 2003, displaying a passion for American football. In 2000, he made a cameo appearance as himself in the acclaimed film Cast Away, adding a cinematic dimension to his illustrious career.

Fred Smith’s influence extends to the political arena, where he supported Senator John McCain’s 2008 Presidential bid and served as the national co-chairman of McCain’s campaign committee. Recognized for his leadership, Fortune Magazine ranked Smith 26th among the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” in March 2014.

With an estimated net worth of $5.3 billion as of June 2023, Fred Smith stands as a titan of industry, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of business and transportation history.