Blue Dart appoints RS Subramanian as Managing Director from November 30

Blue Dart Express has appointed RS Subramanian as its Managing Director, effective November 30, 2026, subject to the required approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down as Managing Director on November 29, 2026.

As part of the planned leadership transition, Manuel will continue as Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027, to support continuity across the company’s strategic priorities.

Manuel has spent 43 years with Blue Dart, having joined the company in 1983 as one of its earliest employees. He has been involved in shaping the company’s customer-focused culture, strengthening its market position and building its logistics brand.

Since becoming Managing Director in 2019, Manuel has led the company through a period of growth, network expansion and capability enhancement.

Commenting on the transition, Manuel said the decision was part of a structured succession plan and that he had confidence in Subramanian’s understanding of the business and its culture. He added that he would work with Subramanian and the Board as Senior Strategic Advisor to support continuity during the transition.

Subramanian brings nearly four decades of experience across product and service sectors, with 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. He oversees operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan and is also a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board.

Subramanian has been associated with DHL Express since 2004. During his career, he has led businesses through 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 since 2019, giving him an understanding of the company and its strategic priorities.

Commenting on his appointment, Subramanian said it was a privilege to lead Blue Dart and acknowledged Manuel’s contribution to the company over more than four decades. He said his focus would be on building on Blue Dart’s existing foundation, advancing its market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth while creating value for customers, employees and shareholders.

The leadership transition will take effect from November 30, 2026, with Manuel continuing in his advisory role until May 15, 2027.