American Express Boss Ed Gilligan Dies

American Express president Ed Gilligan has died after falling ill while on a corporate jet, the credit card company said.

Mr Gilligan, a father of four, was returning to New York after a business trip when his plane was forced to make an emergency landing. He was 55.

"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," American Express CEO Ken Chenault wrote in a letter to employees.

"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."

No other details were provided by the company.

Mr Gilligan began working for American Express as a college intern 35 years ago.

He was named president of the company in 2013.