FedEx Unveils Board of Directors for Upcoming Spin-Off of FedEx Freight
1. A Strategic Move Ahead of the Separation
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) has announced the formation of a ten-member board of directors for its upcoming independent subsidiary, FedEx Freight. This press release, dated January 16, 2026, comes as the company prepares for the planned spin-off, set to take place on June 1, 2026. The new board is positioned to steer FedEx Freight in its future endeavors as the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carrier in North America.
2. Leadership with Experience
R. Brad Martin, currently serving as the executive chairman of FedEx Corp.'s board, will also take the helm as the chairman of the FedEx Freight board. John Smith, who is set to become the president and CEO of FedEx Freight, will join Martin as a director. The remaining eight members bring a wealth of experience from various sectors, including transportation, logistics, supply chain management, and technology.
Brad Martin's Vision
“We’ve assembled a group of prominent industry leaders who share a strong commitment to the customer-first culture that defines FedEx,” Martin stated. “Their diverse perspectives and proven leadership will be instrumental in supporting FedEx Freight as it executes a focused strategy and builds on its position as the largest North American LTL freight carrier with industry-leading transit times, service levels, and reliability.”
John Smith's Commitment
John Smith expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the incoming directors. “I look forward to working with our incoming directors upon completion of the spin-off, leveraging their experience and perspectives, while continuing to partner with Brad and our leadership team as we progress toward launching a world-class, independent organization,” he noted.
3. The Board Members
The new FedEx Freight board comprises a diverse array of leaders:
- R. Brad Martin: Chairman of the board, with extensive leadership experience in public companies, including as CEO of Saks Incorporated.
- John A. Smith: Incoming president and CEO of FedEx Freight, bringing over 30 years of transportation industry experience.
- Jeffrey A. Davis: Former CFO across various major retail and service organizations, including Dollar Tree and Walmart, equipped with significant financial expertise.
- Donald E. Frieson: Former executive vice president of supply chain at Lowe’s, with substantial experience in operations and supply chain management.
- Stephen E. Gorman: Former CEO of Air Methods Corporation and a seasoned executive in the transportation sector, with a background that includes leadership at Delta Air Lines.
- Robert A. King: Veteran of FedEx Corp. with four decades in the internal audit department, bringing deep financial and risk management knowledge.
- Cindy J. Miller: Former president and CEO of Stericycle, with nearly 30 years at UPS, offering rich experience in logistics.
- Amy J. Salcido: Former president of Kyndryl and seasoned leader at IBM, recognized for her achievements in technology.
- John P. Sauerland: Vice president and CFO of The Progressive Corporation, with a solid background in finance.
- Samantha M. Smith: Current staff director of global public policy at FedEx Corp., with extensive experience in communications and government affairs.
4. Financial and Legal Leadership
As FedEx prepares for this significant transition, it has engaged Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as its financial advisor and enlisted Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as legal counsel. These partnerships are expected to facilitate a smooth separation and ensure that FedEx Freight can thrive as an independent entity.
5. About FedEx Freight
Following the spin-off, FedEx Freight will operate independently, leveraging its position as North America's largest LTL carrier. The company is committed to delivering industry-leading service through a comprehensive range of offerings, including Priority, Economy, and Direct services. With nearly 30,000 vehicles and 39,000 dedicated team members across approximately 355 service centers, FedEx Freight is poised to maintain its reputation for reliability and efficiency.
6. Conclusion
The establishment of a strong and experienced board of directors for FedEx Freight marks a significant step in the company's strategic plans for its future independence. As the spin-off date approaches, the leadership team is focused on positioning FedEx Freight for sustained growth and success in the competitive logistics landscape.
