FedEx Corp. recently named Karen Blanks Ellis as its next chief sustainability officer, effective Monday.
Ellis has served in a variety of roles related to environmental compliance, planning, and engineering at the company since 1997. Mostly recently, she served as Strategic Environmental Management & Sustainability managing director.
“In every role I have held at FedEx, I’ve been proud to work for such a forward-thinking and respected corporate actor in sustainability,” Ellis said. “Now as chief sustainability officer, I will have the honor of taking this work forward in the company’s next chapter. I am excited to build upon Mitch’s decades of leadership and advance the sustainability strategy across our global network — particularly as we continue to work toward our goal of carbon neutral global operations by 2040.”
Ellis replaces Mitch Jackson who will retire on Sunday after 39 years with the company.
Prior to FedEx, Ellis worked at Cummins Engine Company and Proctor & Gamble in engineering positions.
She serves on the Board of the International Aviation Women’s Association and is the former Airlines for America Environmental Sustainability Council chairwoman.
Ellis’ experience allows her to navigate the challenges and opportunities of building a more sustainable logistics network, the company said.