Blue Dart’s next Leadership Chapter: R.S. Subramanian appointed as the new Managing Director.

Blue Dart Express has announced a planned leadership transition, appointing R.S. Subramanian as its next Managing Director, effective November 30, 2026, subject to requisite approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down from the role on November 29. Subramanian currently serves as Senior Vice President, DHL Express South Asia, and Managing Director of DHL Express India. He is also a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board and has served on Blue Dart’s Board of Directors since 2019.

Bringing nearly four decades of experience, Subramanian has worked across product and service businesses, with expertise spanning strategy, customer experience, organisational transformation and profitable growth. His appointment comes as Blue Dart continues to strengthen its express logistics and supply chain capabilities across India.

The transition also marks the conclusion of Balfour Manuel’s 43-year journey with Blue Dart. Having joined the company in 1983 as one of its earliest employees, Manuel played a key role in building its customer-centric culture and expanding its market presence. He became Managing Director in 2019 and has since led the company through network expansion and capability enhancement.

Following his departure as MD, Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027. The extended role is intended to support continuity across the company’s strategic priorities during the leadership transition.

Blue Dart offers a broad portfolio spanning air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance and other value-added logistics services. The company is part of the DHL Group and operates an extensive air and ground network across India.

The leadership change brings Subramanian’s DHL and Blue Dart experience to the forefront while retaining Manuel’s strategic involvement through the transition period.