FedEx, the world’s largest logistics company, continues to find opportunities for growth—regardless of the circumstances.
“At FedEx, we say it’s always grow time for us. We’re trained for that, and we view challenges as opportunities,” said Maribeth Espinosa, Managing Director of FedEx Express Philippines.
With 27 years at the company, Maribeth’s journey reflects resilience and dedication. A chemist by profession, she earned her degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Business and Management from the University of the Philippines. She joined FedEx in 1995 as a Dangerous Goods Agent and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually overseeing customs clearance operations across multiple regional markets.
Despite technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and evolving global trade dynamics, FedEx remains focused on growth—anchored in data-driven strategies. The company harnesses cutting-edge technologies, including AI, conducts rigorous market research, and explores untapped markets for expansion.
FedEx continues to integrate advanced technologies across its operations. Sensors and AI monitor sensitive shipments in real time, tracking metrics like temperature and pressure. Operations are largely automated and interconnected globally through FedEx DataWorks. FedEx maintains a strong digital presence—including on platforms like TikTok.
Its paperless and AI-driven systems also support the company’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040. Rates for services are accessible online and vary depending on the type of shipment. “I’d say we have a full suite of services,” she added.
While trade with China presents challenges, FedEx actively looks for new avenues to drive growth in emerging economies. “We look at those avenues. Are there other lanes we’re unaware of?” Maribeth said.
For instance, FedEx closely monitors the Philippine government’s push for new trade agreements, as these open fresh opportunities for expansion. Maribeth also expressed support for recent appointments to key government posts—especially welcoming the appointment of Secretary Vince Dizon—and voiced optimism about reforms that aim to improve ease of doing business.
Its being proactive has placed the company as one of the top performing logistics companies globally.
Promoting the Philippines
In the Philippines, FedEx plays a vital role in positioning the country as a top-tier investment destination, with Clark in particular seen as a potential logistics hub for Asia Pacific.
“We want Clark to be the main logistics hub in the region. We’re telling the government that FedEx is here, because when investors consider their key requirements—logistics is one of them. We’re demonstrating that our transportation network is available in the Philippines,” she said.
As a global logistics leader, FedEx is well-prepared for disruptions but underscores the need for better infrastructure and stronger collaboration with the Department of Transportation.
“We believe we need more infrastructure,” she added, citing the Luzon Economic Corridor project in partnership with the U.S. government. “It’s moving quite well. It will connect Subic to Manila and Batangas, improving linkage.”
Maribeth also acknowledged progress in the upgrading of the country’s major airports, such as the NAIA expansion and the development of the Bulacan airport. “I hope transportation infrastructure will be further strengthened,” she said.
Beyond physical infrastructure, FedEx is working with the government to streamline and automate logistics processes for greater efficiency.
“We advise them on how other countries do it and see if they’re interested. We’re gaining some traction,” she shared, expressing confidence that Secretary Dizon’s reform agenda will help address regulatory hurdles and boost business competitiveness.
Empowering MSMEs
FedEx actively collaborates with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), helping them reach both local and global markets.
“FedEx wants to partner with MSMEs on logistics,” said Maribeth.
With DTI’s initiative to establish a venue for small producers in Clark, she immediately reached out to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to explore partnership opportunities.
Maribeth also shared a personal story about helping a friend expand a small paper production business through trade exhibits. She encourages entrepreneurs to take advantage of DTI’s financial support for such initiatives.
Even her husband became involved in advocacy work, helping organize farmers into a cooperative so they could access equipment. “My husband found that—it’s like advocacy. But you’re helping people, so how can you say no to that?” she said.
MSMEs make up a significant portion of FedEx’s customer base—estimated at around 50 percent—with room to grow. “It’s something we want to grow,” she said. “And this is the reason we’re partnering with the DTI. It’s also why we want to have that diverse customer mix.”
At FedEx, every customer matters. “We treat every customer as valuable—even the small ones. They are important part of FedEx,” Maribeth emphasized. While larger clients are often in the semiconductor sector, MSMEs typically export food, fashion, handicrafts, and processed goods.
“We have very big clients shipping to the U.S.,” she said. “We’ve shipped galleys of airplanes.”
FedEx has also handled shipments of dragon fruit cuttings, jewelry, artwork, furniture, and perishables.
The Logistics Business
“Logistics will always be a growing business because of interconnectivity around the world,”
Maribeth said. Logistics provides the essential trade facilitation.
As business models evolve, so do logistics needs. During the pandemic, FedEx maintained operations domestically and internationally. Maribeth, working remotely from a hotel, coordinated critical shipments.
“We need to help people. When lives are at stake, we need to bring medicines and equipment. You’re doing something worthwhile for the rest of the world,” she shared.
She also went on to clarify a common misconception about FedEx’s presence in the Philippines: “I can tell you, we never left. I was involved in the hub operations from Subic to the Philippine District, so I can attest to that,” she said. “The operations here were not minimized; they remained the same. We have not left the Philippine territory.”
Today, Clark serves as a vital distribution gateway.
“Asia is an important market for FedEx. We’re building stronger networks throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines. It’s an important market, because we believe it will continue to grow,” she emphasized.
Inclusivity
Maribeth’s work at FedEx has taken her across the globe. Early in her career, executives would travel with the cargo—often in luxury. “I would say that you’re traveling in style; you can order the food you want,” she recalled.
FedEx in Clark operates 38 flights weekly, primarily to Guangzhou, with others to and from Taiwan. The company continuously adjusts routes based on volume and demand.
“Logistics is a demanding job, especially for a woman,” said Maribeth—the first Filipino and female Managing Director of FedEx Philippines. Nearly three decades in, she remains passionate about her work. “I’m passionate about what I do,” she affirmed.
FedEx even exceeds local requirements in hiring people with disabilities and has a workforce that is 47 percent women. “We have many female managers. Our own Asia-Pacific President is a woman,” she added.
She believes in breaking gender barriers and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.
Before taking her current role, Maribeth was Senior Manager of Clearance Operations. She played key roles in relocating the APAC Hub to Guangzhou and launching the APAC Trade Facilitation Center in Clark.
“With the realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world,” she quotes the Dalai Lama.
Maribeth’s journey—from operating loaders (traditionally a male-dominated task) to leading a team of over 1,000 logistics professionals—underscores the value of inclusivity and talent development.
She highlights three essential leadership traits: empowering and trusting your team, promoting self-awareness, and cultivating a strong mentorship culture. These, she believes, unlock a team’s full potential and foster innovation.
Since her appointment in February 2023, Maribeth has led efforts to expand Filipino businesses’ global reach and enhance cross-border e-commerce.
Broader Impact
Under her leadership, FedEx awarded a $35,000 grant to support the Zonta Club’s “Empowering Women Scholarship Program,” offering financial aid and mentorship to young women pursuing STEM careers.
She also champions educational outreach through FedEx Cares—donating laptops, school supplies, and running volunteer programs that have reached nearly 6,000 disadvantaged students.
Maribeth is a driving force behind the FedEx/Junior Achievement ITC Business Competition, which helps Filipino youth develop entrepreneurship and strategic thinking.
FedEx Philippines has earned numerous awards under her leadership, including recognitions for “Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion,” “HR Communication Strategy” (2022), and was named Overall Winner at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2024. The company was also recognized as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers in 2023—the only logistics firm on the list.
Maribeth attributes these achievements to FedEx’s People-Service-Profit (PSP) philosophy: putting employees first to deliver excellent service and drive long-term profitability.
A strong advocate for DEI&O (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity), she emphasizes mentoring and preparing the next generation of leaders to sustain the organization’s impact.
“I’m not a female leader. I’m a leader. Nothing more, nothing less,”said Maribeth.
As she sees it, at FedEx, it’s always time to grow.
“We are the largest cargo operator, we are the largest cargo in terms of assets. I always stay at number one. And I want to stay there. But, we make sure that we go in a competitive way in an environment where we respect each other,” she said.
