Raj Subramaniam has been the CEO of FedEx since March 2020, succeeding the company’s founder, Fred Smith. With over 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Subramaniam has led FedEx through a period of significant change and innovation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his career journey, leadership style, net worth, and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
His career’s journey
Subramaniam began his career with FedEx in 1991 as an intern in the marketing department. He quickly rose through the ranks, taking on a variety of roles in marketing, communications, and IT. In 2017, he was named executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer, where he oversaw the company’s global marketing and communications strategies.
How he became FedEx’s CEO
In March 2020, Subramaniam was named FedEx’s CEO, succeeding Fred Smith, who had held the position since the company’s founding in 1971. Subramaniam’s appointment came at a time of significant change for the company, as it sought to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and capitalize on new opportunities in e-commerce and digital transformation.
Leadership style
One of the key hallmarks of Subramaniam’s leadership style is his focus on innovation and customer-centricity. He has emphasized the need for FedEx to embrace new technologies and business models in order to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of customers. Under his leadership, the company has launched a variety of initiatives focused on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and digital transformation.
In addition to his focus on innovation, Subramaniam is also known for his commitment to employee well-being and development. He has described FedEx’s culture as one of “respect, inclusion, and opportunity,” with a focus on initiatives like mental health resources and career development programs. This commitment to employees has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the company has implemented measures to keep employees and customers safe and supported.
His net worth
While Subramaniam’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, he is believed to have a significant financial stake in FedEx. As of April 2021, the company’s stock price had risen by more than 70% since Subramaniam’s appointment as CEO, reflecting the market’s confidence in his leadership.
Career challenges
Like any successful executive, Subramaniam has faced his share of challenges over the years. One of the biggest challenges he has encountered is the need to adapt to the rapidly changing transportation and logistics landscape. With the rise of e-commerce and digital transformation, FedEx has had to rethink its business model and find new ways to connect with customers. Subramaniam has been at the forefront of these efforts, spearheading the company’s digital initiatives and driving growth in e-commerce and last-mile delivery.
Another challenge Subramaniam has faced is the need to balance competing priorities, such as innovation and employee well-being. While he has emphasized the importance of both, finding the right balance between them can be a delicate task. Subramaniam has worked hard to create a culture that values innovation and creativity, while also providing a supportive and caring environment for employees.
Lessons from his career
Subramaniam’s career journey is an inspiring one, filled with lessons that we can all apply in our own lives and careers. One of the most important lessons is the value of perseverance and hard work. Subramaniam started his career with FedEx as an intern, and through his dedication and commitment, he was able to rise through the ranks to become CEO.
This shows us that with persistence and a willingness to learn and grow, we can achieve great things.
Another lesson we can learn from Subramaniam is the importance of innovation and embracing change. In the rapidly evolving world of transportation and logistics, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and continuously seek out new opportunities and technologies.
His focus on innovation and customer-centricity has helped to position FedEx as a leader in the industry, and we can all benefit from adopting a similar mindset in our own lives and careers.
Final thoughts
Raj Subramaniam’s career journey is an inspiring one, filled with examples of perseverance, innovation, and commitment to employees. As CEO of FedEx, he has led the company through a period of significant change and growth, positioning it for continued success in the years to come.
By learning from his leadership style and example, we can all strive to achieve our own goals and make a positive impact in our own lives and careers.