FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith, the visionary who revolutionized global shipping with overnight deliveries, has passed away. The company announced R. Brad Martin, a seasoned executive and former CEO of Saks Incorporated, as its new chairman. While Smith’s death marks the end of an era, the leadership transition signals stability for the logistics giant.

Editor’s Note: Smith wasn’t just a CEO—he built an empire that changed how the world moves packages. His passing is a major moment for both FedEx and the business world at large. The quick appointment of Martin suggests FedEx is prioritizing continuity, but Smith’s absence leaves big shoes to fill. For customers and investors, it’s a wait-and-see moment: will the company maintain its innovative edge?

Fred Smith, the visionary who revolutionized global shipping by founding FedEx, has passed away at 80. His idea for overnight delivery—once dismissed as impractical—turned into a logistics empire that reshaped how the world moves goods. Smith was known for his bold leadership, especially during crises like the 2009 recession, when he famously gambled on fuel hedges to save the company.

Editor’s Note: Smith wasn’t just a CEO; he was a pioneer who made "absolutely, positively overnight" part of our everyday language. His death marks the end of an era for an industry he helped define. Beyond FedEx, his legacy includes influencing modern e-commerce—think of how reliant Amazon and other giants are on fast shipping. It’s a reminder of how one stubborn idea, against all odds, can change the world.

UBS is doubling down on its confidence in FedEx, telling investors to keep buying the stock even as some worry about the company's performance. The bank seems to think the shipping giant is still a solid bet, despite any short-term jitters.

Editor’s Note: When a major bank like UBS stands by its "buy" rating, it signals to the market that FedEx might be undervalued or better positioned than skeptics think. For everyday folks, it’s a peek into how big players view the health of a company that moves a huge chunk of the world’s packages—which can hint at broader economic trends.

Fred Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx and a former Marine, passed away at 80. He often credited his military service—not his Ivy League education—for shaping the bold leadership and logistical genius that turned FedEx into a global shipping powerhouse.

Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx and a former Marine, has passed away at 81. He transformed a struggling overnight delivery startup into a worldwide logistics powerhouse, reshaping how businesses and consumers ship goods. His relentless innovation—like pioneering package tracking—became industry standards.

Editor’s Note: Smith wasn’t just a CEO; he redefined global commerce. FedEx’s rise mirrored the explosion of e-commerce and just-in-time supply chains—things we now take for granted. His legacy isn’t just parcels; it’s the invisible infrastructure that keeps modern life moving. A reminder that bold ideas (even ones initially dismissed, like overnight shipping) can change the world.