Singapore – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) has named Salil Chari as regional president of its Asia Pacific operations, succeeding Kawal Preet as the company seeks to drive growth and strengthen customer experience across the region.
Chari, previously senior vice president of marketing and customer experience APAC at FedEx, officially took on the new role on January 1, 2026. Preet has moved to a new position as executive vice president (EVP) of planning, engineering, and transformation.
As regional president, Chari will oversee the strategic direction of FedEx’s APAC business and lead a workforce of nearly 30,000 employees. His responsibilities include driving profitable growth, enhancing customer experiences, and advancing operational efficiency across the region.
Commenting on his new role, Chari said, “It is an honour to lead such a talented team in a region that sits at the center of global trade. Asia Pacific is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fast-evolving trade corridors, creating powerful opportunities for businesses of all sizes to grow and compete globally.”
“As we build on our strong foundation, my priority is to strengthen resilience, accelerate growth, and deepen the role FedEx plays as a valued partner for our customers and communities. With the unwavering commitment of our team members who live the Purple Promise every day to make every customer experience outstanding, we will continue to connect businesses with new possibilities, drive innovation, and enable global trade in an ever-evolving marketplace,” he added.
Chari’s appointment reflects FedEx’s long-standing practice of promoting talent from within. He began his career at the company in 1997 as a marketing analyst in Memphis, U.S., and has held leadership roles across Latin America and the Caribbean, the Asia Pacific and Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, and Africa. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving customer experience and helping businesses expand their global reach.
“I am excited to welcome Salil as the new president of Asia Pacific, marking an exciting new chapter for our APAC business,” said Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, international, and chief executive officer, airline, at FedEx.
“Salil brings exceptional multi-regional leadership experience and a passion for delivering value to customers. With his deep understanding of the region, I am confident he will lead our APAC business to new heights and reinforce the region’s importance to our global growth. Thanks to Kawal for her exceptional leadership; she will continue to advance our global transformation efforts.”
