Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Blue Dart Names Subramanian Successor in Planned Leadership Transition
Blue Dart is changing its top leader in a planned transition.
R.S. Subramanian is expected to become managing director on November 30, 2026.
He will take over from Balfour Manuel, who leaves the role on November 29.
Manuel has worked with Blue Dart for 43 years.
He will stay as a senior adviser until May 15, 2027.
This is meant to help the company make the change smoothly.
Subramanian has many years of experience at DHL Express and has served on Blue Dart’s board since 2019.
He plans to build on Blue Dart’s customer service, operations and long-term growth.
Blue Dart Express appointed R.S. Subramanian as managing director effective November 30, 2026, subject to approvals.
Subramanian will succeed Balfour Manuel, who steps down on November 29 after 43 years with Blue Dart.
Manuel will remain Senior Strategic Advisor through May 15, 2027, to support an orderly handover.
Subramanian is Senior Vice President of DHL Express South Asia and Managing Director of DHL Express India.
His priorities include strengthening Blue Dart’s market leadership, capabilities, customer focus and sustainable profitable growth.
- Who
- R.S. Subramanian will succeed Balfour Manuel as Blue Dart Express managing director.
- What
- Blue Dart announced a planned managing-director transition, subject to approvals.
- When
- Subramanian is scheduled to take charge on November 30, 2026; Manuel steps down on November 29 and remains an adviser until May 15, 2027.
- Where
- The announcement concerns Blue Dart Express in India.
- Why
- The transition is intended to ensure continuity and an orderly handover while supporting sustainable, profitable growth.
- Incoming managing director
- R.S. Subramanian
- Outgoing managing director
- Balfour Manuel
- Effective date
- November 30, 2026, subject to approvals
- Manuel’s advisory role
- Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027
- Manuel’s Blue Dart tenure
- 43 years
- Subramanian’s DHL association
- Since 2004
- Blue Dart board service
- Subramanian has served on the board since 2019