Ed Gilligan
American Express President Ed
Gilligan, 55, died Friday after he “became seriously ill on a flight home to New
York,” according to a company memo written by CEO Kenneth Chenault.
“This is deeply painful and
frankly unimaginable for all of us who had the great fortune to work with Ed
and benefit from his insights, leadership and enthusiasm,” Chenault wrote.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to 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."
Gilligan started as an intern at
American Express 35 years ago, Chenault said, and worked in many sectors of
American Express’ business over the years. In 1995 he was named business unit
president of commercial card and business travel for the U.S. He was appointed
group president in 2002 and relocated to London, overseeing the international
consumer card business and the company’s global portfolio of payment and travel
services for corporate clients.
He was named vice chairman in 2007
and president in 2013.
“Ed was a living embodiment of our
values, embracing both our heritage of service, trust and integrity, as well as
our entrepreneurial spirit that has helped continually transform this company
through the years,” Chenault said.