“Blue Dart has been the defining journey of my professional life. After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to implement a structured succession plan that serves the company’s long-term interests. I have every confidence in R.S. Subramanian, who understands our business, respects our culture and shares our ambition. As Senior Strategic Advisor, I look forward to working closely with him and the Board to ensure continuity throughout the transition.” Balfour Manuel
“It is a privilege to lead Blue Dart, an institution that has played a defining role in the development of India’s express logistics industry. Having served on the Blue Dart Board over the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to gain a firsthand appreciation of the company’s strong customer focus, operational excellence and the culture that the team has built. I also want to acknowledge Balfour’s remarkable contribution to Blue Dart over more than four decades and the strong foundation he leaves for the future. As India’s economy continues to grow and connect with global markets, logistics will remain a critical enabler of business success. My focus will be on building on Blue Dart’s strong foundation, advancing its market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth, while continuing to create value for customers, employees and shareholders alike.” R.S. Subramanian
The Board of Directors of Blue Dart Express Limited has announced the appointment of R.S. Subramanian as Managing Director, effective 30 November 2026, subject to the requisite approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down as Managing Director on 29 November 2026 following an illustrious career with Blue Dart. As part of a planned leadership transition, Balfour will continue as Senior Strategic Advisor until 15 May 2027, ensuring continuity across the company’s strategic priorities.
A true Blue Dart veteran, Balfour Manuel’s 43-year journey reflects the growth and evolution of Blue Dart itself. Joining the company in 1983 as one of its earliest employees, he played a pivotal role in shaping its customer-centric culture, strengthening its market leadership and building one of India’s most respected logistics brands. Since being appointed Managing Director in 2019, he has led the company through a period of sustained growth, network expansion and capability enhancement. His enduring legacy extends beyond business performance to the values, culture and talent he has helped nurture over more than four decades.
Reflecting on the transition, Balfour Manuel said, “Blue Dart has been the defining journey of my professional life. After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to implement a structured succession plan that serves the company’s long-term interests. I have every confidence in R.S. Subramanian, who understands our business, respects our culture and shares our ambition. As Senior Strategic Advisor, I look forward to working closely with him and the Board to ensure continuity throughout the transition.”
Subramanian brings nearly four decades of experience leading businesses across product and service sectors, with deep expertise in strategy, customer experience, organisational transformation and profitable growth. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, DHL Express South Asia, and Managing Director, DHL Express India, overseeing operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. He is also a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board.
Associated with DHL Express since 2004, Mr. Subramanian has led businesses through sustained growth and transformation, with a focus on profitable expansion, customer experience, service quality and organisational capability. He has also served as a Director on the Board of Blue Dart Express Limited since 2019, bringing a strong understanding of the company and its strategic priorities.
Commenting on his appointment, R.S. Subramanian said, “It is a privilege to lead Blue Dart, an institution that has played a defining role in the development of India’s express logistics industry. Having served on the Blue Dart Board over the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to gain a firsthand appreciation of the company’s strong customer focus, operational excellence and the culture that the team has built. I also want to acknowledge Balfour’s remarkable contribution to Blue Dart over more than four decades and the strong foundation he leaves for the future. As India’s economy continues to grow and connect with global markets, logistics will remain a critical enabler of business success. My focus will be on building on Blue Dart’s strong foundation, advancing its market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth, while continuing to create value for customers, employees and shareholders alike.”
