Blue Dart Express Limited has announced the appointment of R.S. Subramanian as Managing Director, effective 30 November 2026, subject to requisite approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down from the role on 29 November 2026 following a 43-year association with the company.As part of the planned leadership transition, Balfour Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until 15 May 2027 to support continuity across the company’s strategic priorities.Manuel joined Blue Dart in 1983 as one of the company’s earliest employees and played a key role in shaping its customer-focused culture, market position and operational capabilities. He was appointed Managing Director in 2019 and has since led the company through network expansion, growth initiatives and capability enhancement.Commenting on the transition, Balfour Manuel said, “Blue Dart has been the defining journey of my professional life. After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to implement a structured succession plan that serves the company’s long-term interests.”He added that R.S. Subramanian understands the company’s business, culture and ambitions, and that he looks forward to supporting the transition as Senior Strategic Advisor.Subramanian brings nearly four decades of experience across product and service businesses, 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, overseeing operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan.Associated with DHL Express since 2004, Subramanian has led business growth initiatives focused on service quality, customer experience and organisational development. He has also served as a Director on the Board of Blue Dart Express Limited since 2019, providing familiarity with the company’s operations and strategic priorities.Commenting on his appointment, R.S. Subramanian said, “It is a privilege to lead Blue Dart, an institution that has played a defining role in the development of India's express logistics industry.”He added that his focus would be on building on Blue Dart’s foundation, strengthening market leadership and delivering sustainable growth while creating value for customers, employees and shareholders.The leadership transition marks a planned succession process for Blue Dart as the company continues to focus on strengthening its position in India’s express logistics sector.