Blue Dart Express has appointed R.S. Subramanian as Managing Director, marking a leadership transition at the logistics company as incumbent MD Balfour Manuel opts for early superannuation.
Subramanian’s appointment will take effect on November 30, 2026, and run until May 25, 2030. He is currently SVP, South Asia and Managing Director of DHL Express India and is also a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board.
Manuel will step down as Managing Director and director at the close of business on November 29, 2026. The company said he requested early superannuation to enable a smooth succession and citing personal commitments. Blue Dart's Nomination and Remuneration Committee and board have waived his six-month notice period.
Following his departure from the board, Manuel will serve as Senior Strategic Advisor to the Managing Director until May 15, 2027, supporting the transition.
Subramanian, 61, brings more than 30 years of experience across product-led and service businesses, with expertise spanning business strategy, marketing, team development and customer management. He joined DHL Express India as Head of Sales and subsequently held leadership roles across the South Asia cluster, overseeing markets including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan.
He became Managing Director of DHL Express India in 2010. Under his leadership, the company expanded its infrastructure and technology investments and strengthened its operational and people processes. Before joining DHL, Subramanian spent 14 years at Hindustan Unilever, holding roles across sales, marketing and export management.
Subramanian has also been on Blue Dart's board since March 27, 2019 and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director. He is Vice Chairman of the Express Industry Council of India and is part of the Advisory Council of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.
Manuel's departure marks the end of a 43-year association with Blue Dart. In his resignation letter, he described his career with the company as the highlight of his professional journey and credited its people, customer focus and culture of excellence.
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