Blue Dart Express Limited names Balfour Manuel as new CEO

News Clip: People Matters

25th January, 2019

Leading logistics services provider Blue Dart Express Limited, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has named Balfour Manuel as CEO with immediate effect to chart the company’s next chapter of growth.  Manuel takes over the helm of Blue Dart from Anil Khanna, who is leaving the organization after more than 12 years in the role. Khanna will also become an Additional Non-Executive Director of the company. 

Manuel, a Blue Dart veteran of over 35 years, has been instrumental in the success of Blue Dart from the very beginning of the company’s inception. A longtime employee of the company, Manuel’s latest position was as Senior Vice President in charge of Blue Dart’s business-to-business customers, a cornerstone of Blue Dart’s customer base.

Prior to this, Manuel also held a key general management position where he was responsible for the growth and development of Blue Dart’s business in the Western region in India

Sharad Upasani, Chairman, Blue Dart Express Limited stated, “Manuel is a seasoned logistics professional, deeply committed and passionate about Blue Dart. He has spent his career building the company to where it is today, and has proven his capabilities in leading his team to achieve exceptional business results. We are confident Manuel will provide the continued leadership in keeping with the Blue Dart culture, ensuring we keep pace with the rapidly growing market.”

Under Khanna, Blue Dart broadened its strategic focus from being an air express company to a full fledged logistics organization. He will be actively involved in supporting Manuel to ensure that Blue Dart operates smoothly during the transition phase.

On his appointment, Manuel stated, “I have spent my career in Blue Dart and have witnessed tremendous transformation in the past 35 years as the company grew from strength to strength, in tandem with India’s economy. I am delighted to take on the responsibility and lead the team to chart the next growth decade.”

With this appointment, Manuel will be heading a company which has constantly been recognized for exhibiting reliability, superior brand experience and sustainability as well as one of the best places in India to work for. Blue Dart’s recognitions include among others as one of ‘India's Best Companies to Work For’ by The Great Place to Work® Institute, amongst the Top 25 Best Employers in India 2016 by AON Hewitt, along with being listed as one of Fortune 500’s India's Largest Corporations. No wonder, Manuel has some big shoes to fill in to carry on this legacy.