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Chance Interview Launched FedEx CEO's Stellar Career
18 Jul
Summary
- Raj Subramaniam's FedEx career began with a roommate's missed interview.
- He joined FedEx in 1991, starting at an entry-level position.
- Becoming CEO was not an initial career plan but a gradual rise.
Raj Subramaniam's path to the helm of FedEx began unexpectedly in 1991. Amidst a challenging job market, his career trajectory shifted when he seized an interview opportunity his roommate had forfeited.
Subramaniam, who already held engineering degrees, attended an MBA program when he connected with FedEx. He joined the company's global headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, in an entry-level capacity. His dedication and performance quickly led to expanded responsibilities and international postings.
He spent several years in Hong Kong, leading marketing operations for the Asia-Pacific region. Subramaniam often highlights his willingness to take on new challenges as key to his progression. He noted that becoming CEO wasn't an initial objective, but opportunities like leading FedEx Canada sparked new possibilities.
His career advanced through various senior roles, culminating in his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2019. In 2022, founder Frederick W. Smith selected Subramaniam as the company's second CEO, marking the final stage of a career initiated by a chance encounter.
