In the current evolving business realm, where innovation and expertise define success, few leaders have carved a niche as strong as Subhasish Chakraborty. With decades of expertise and in-depth industry knowledge, he stands as a guiding force for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating the complexities of modern-day commerce.
Recognized globally as a pioneer and thought leader, Subhasish Chakraborty has excelled in the franchisee-based business model in the Express industry. Under his fine guidance, DTDC successfully completed its third decade of operations in India and still stands as a frontrunner among the leading express companies in India. Mr Chakraborty has played a pivotal role in spearheading the DTDC in higher latitudes. Presently, the company proudly holds a global network of 240+ global destinations.
From his notable work at DTDC that captivated audiences worldwide to advisory roles that shape the future of the business world today, Mr Chakraborty’s journey is defined by an unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders. His dedication to driving meaningful change, combined with a proven track record of success, positions him as an influential figure in the corporate landscape today.
Subhasish Chakraborty’s journey from a middle-class upbringing in Kolkata to the helm of a Rs 2,000 crore enterprise is a testament to grit, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Born into an ordinary family, Subhasish pursued his education in chemistry at Ramakrishna.
Early Day: Hurdles and Opportunities
Subhasish Chakraborty’s story begins in Kolkata. He was born in a low-middle family where his family did not have enough money to pay for his college. As a child, he faced a personal hurdle: a lot of financial-related challenges that often left him frustrated and fighting to be heard. But Subhasish stood strong and pursued his graduation in chemistry honours from Ramakrishna Mission Residential College. In those days, there was a clear concept that one needed to complete their graduation, get good marks, and finally get a good job. Subhasish fell in love with chemistry, and he was so good in his studies that he got a gold medal in college. But he did not stop and continued working at Peerless even after completing his bachelor’s, as he moved towards studying for the advanced course in chemical engineering.
Laying the Foundation: Career Beginnings
Subhasish’s passion for business success took root early in his career. In the year 1987, he took a revolutionary step and started a chemical distribution business. He worked to grow his venture, but he suffered mainly due to the inefficiencies in the postal service. During this period, the visionary leader found a major gap in the courier services sector.
Establishing DTDC and Building Success
Responding to the industry gap, Subhasish established DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo) in 1990 to meet the increasing demand for reliable courier services with a meager investment of Rs 20,000. Initially, banks denied facilitating the loans, hence Subhasish resorted to selling his mother’s jewellery to fund his entrepreneurial venture.
Under his fine guidance, DTDC grew remarkably well. After a year, Subhasish introduced another cutting-edge idea – the franchise model. This initiative proved successful. This new concept empowered the rapid growth of the company, catering not only to retail customers but also securing partnerships with leading industry leaders such as Wipro, Infosys, and the Tata Group.
Remarkable Milestones and Achievements
Since its inception, DTDC has been flourishing at a rapid pace, from humble beginnings to evolving into a formidable player in the industry. Presently, the company boasts a robust network of over 14,000 PIN codes in India and serves 220 global destinations. By 2006, the company had successfully established 3,700 franchises and achieved an annual turnover of Rs 125 crore.
Besides, the leading man and CMD, Subhasish Chakraborty, has been honored with the HURUN Industry Achievement Award 2025 – Integrated Express Logistics at India’s Most Respected Entrepreneurs Awards 2025!
As Subhasish looks to the future, he continues to expand DTDC’s unique franchise-based business model and empower others to meet their entrepreneurial dreams with DTDC. This model has been emulated across the world and is also studied as a business case by leading management institutes. Mr. Chakraborty is a Gold Medallist in Chemistry from the University of Calcutta and has an Advanced Management Program diploma.
For Subhasish, this is not just a business venture. It is part of a broader movement: helping aspiring entrepreneurs meet their aspirations, build a successful business, and create an impact.
Subhasish’s story is a reminder that leadership is not about pushing ourselves for success, but about striving to lead others. Through his work as an entrepreneur, business leader, and innovator, he is shaping a new paradigm of leadership in the global business landscape.