Blue Dart Express has appointed RS Subramanian as the new Managing Director effective 30th November 2026, subject to requisite approvals. He will replace Balfour Manuel, who will step down on November 29, 2026.
The change is part of a planned leadership transition. After stepping down as Managing Director, Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027 to help ensure continuity across the company’s strategic priorities during the transition.
Manuel has been with Blue Dart for 43 years and he joined the company in 1983 as one of the first employees. He was instrumental throughout his career in creating a customer-centric culture at Blue Dart, which strengthened its market position and built its logistics brand.
Manuel has been Managing Director since 2019, during which time the business has grown, the network has grown and the company’s capabilities have been enhanced.
“The decision is part of a planned succession process,” Manuel said on the transition, adding he was confident that Subramanian understood Blue Dart’s business and culture. In his new advisory role, he said he would work with Subramanian and the Board to ensure continuity during the leadership transition.
Subramanian brings nearly 40 years of experience across product and service businesses. His experience spans strategy, customer experience, organizational transformation and profitable growth.
He is currently the Senior Vise President, DHL Express South Asia and Managing Director, DHL Express India. In these roles he is responsible for the DHL Express operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan and is a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board.
Subramanian began his career at DHL Express in 2004. He has led businesses through growth and transformation during his career with a focus on profitable growth, customer experience, service quality and organizational capability.
He is also connected to the company’s Board through Blue Dart. He is a Director on the Board of Blue Dart Express since 2019 and is therefore well acquainted with the Company, its business and its strategic priorities.
On his appointment, Subramanian said it was a privilege to lead Blue Dart and acknowledged Manuel’s contribution to the business over four decades. He said his priorities would be to build on the company’s existing foundation, to strengthen its market leadership and pursue sustainable, profitable growth while creating value for customers, employees and shareholders.
The leadership change will take effect November 30, 2026. Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027, with an overlap period to allow for a smooth handover.
