How does a new CEO make culture changes at FedEx after 49 years of leadership by the founder?

ATD CAPABILITY MODEL: 

Professional: Career & Leadership Development
Professional: Coaching

Organizational: Organization Development & Culture
Organizational: Change Management
Organizational: Future Readiness

Description:

FedEx is a Fortune 50 Company and one of the most admired organizations in the World. FedEx was founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971 and began operations in 1973. It recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Fred Smith, the legendary founder, still holds the respect and awe of the employees and much of the world as a visionary entrepreneur whose foresight changed the world.

On June 1, 2022, Fred Smith retired as CEO to become Executive Chairman. Raj Subramaniam, President and Chief Operating Officer, was promoted to President and CEO. When Subramaniam took over, he initiated a series of culture changes.

At our next joint ATD-TODN Adaptive-Change SIG virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 10 (5:30-7 PM), Eric Blumenthal, who has worked for FedEx for 22 years and is one of this SIG’s co-facilitators, will discuss the depth of these culture changes, how they affected him and others at FedEx, and successes and setbacks so far.

Breakout session question: How does a company you are, or have been, associated with compare to FedEx in adaptability to culture changes?

Eric Blumenthal MBA