American Express President Dies During Flight

The president of the American Express, Ed Gilligan, was caught ill on board the flight to New York and passed away while the company mourns his passing and stand by his family.

This morning, the employees of the American Express received a devastating news. The President of the company, Ed Gilligan had passed away during his flight back home. Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express, informed the employees and contractors in a newsletter that Gilligan has been caught ill during his flight back home to New York. He passed away shortly after. 

Chenault called it an unfortunate and frankly shocking news to everyone who knew Ed and had worked with Ed. He said that all the people that had known and worked with Ed had benefitted from his great insights, leadership and enthusiasm.

With deepest sorrow we share that our President, Ed Gilligan has passed away. http://t.co/AXIcUzIsKP pic.twitter.com/etP1L4YBBe— American Express (@AmericanExpress) /4/29, 2015

Ed had started at the company as an intern 35 years ago and dedicated his lifetime to the company. He worked his way up to being an executive to the Vice President to becoming the President finally. He held numerous positions including in finance, business travel, corporate services and business-to-business relations.  

His contributions had an impact on practically every area of the company’s business, from Commercial Card and Travel to International, Consumer, Small Business, Merchant Services, Network Services and, most recently, the group forging our digital partnerships and driving payment innovations.

Ed was always dedicated to holding the company’s name and respecting the values an traditions. He was a loving and caring man who had great family values. Ken Chenault also paid respect to the families as he said that the thoughts and prayers of the company go out to his family;” his wife Lisa, and their four children – Katie, Meaghan, Kevin and Shane. He was a proud husband and father, and his love for his family was evident in all that he did.”

Ed’s current subordinates will be reporting to Chenault as they mourn over the loss of their true leader and a great asset of the company. The entire professional world associated to the American Express is mournful of the death of a great leader and innovator.

We have sadly lost @edgilligan one of the kindest & most generous executives in our industry. I will always remember how nice he was to me.— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) /4/29, 2015

Nobody else in the industry was as generous with their time. He was always generous, fun, open-minded, and clear-thinking. Gah.— Patrick Collison (@patrickc) /4/29, 2015