June 30, 2024, Memphis, TN With effect from July 1, 2024, FedEx Corporation has appointed Karen Blanks Ellis as its new Chief Sustainability Officer. Ellis will take over for Mitch Jackson, who is retiring from FedEx following an illustrious 39-year career.
Ellis joins the position with a plethora of engineering, regulatory compliance, and environmental management experience. FedEx’s dedication to pursuing corporate sustainability objectives, such as attaining carbon-neutral operations worldwide by 2040, is demonstrated by her selection.
“I’ve been honoured to work for such a progressive and well-respected business leader in sustainability in every position I’ve held at FedEx. I will have the privilege of continuing this effort in the company’s next chapter as Chief Sustainability Officer,” Ellis stated. “I am thrilled to expand on Mitch’s many years of leadership and push our global network’s sustainability strategy—especially as we continue to strive towards our goal of having carbon-neutral global operations by 2040.”
During his time at FedEx, which began in 1997, Ellis has made substantial contributions to engineering, planning, and environmental compliance. She worked as an engineer at Proctor & Gamble and Cummins Engine Company before joining FedEx. Ellis has presided over the Environmental Sustainability Council for Airlines for America and is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association board.
Ellis’s leadership and strategic vision will be beneficial to FedEx as it navigates a business environment that is becoming more and more concerned with corporate sustainability. Her thorough knowledge of corporate operations and environmental stewardship puts FedEx in a strong position to further its dedication to a sustainable logistics network.