As per latest reports, Sahil Barua, the co-founder and CEO of Delhivery Ltd., has resigned from his position as an Independent Director on the board of food and grocery delivery platform Swiggy, citing rising professional obligations following a major acquisition by his company. Barua’s resignation comes shortly after Delhivery announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in logistics rival Ecom Express Ltd. for approximately Rs. 1,400 crore, signaling a significant strategic move in India’s logistics sector.
Barua Steps Down Due to Increased Workload
In an official communication to Swiggy’s board, Barua explained that the demands of his role at Delhivery have grown considerably, leaving him unable to dedicate sufficient time to his board responsibilities at Swiggy.
“Due to my increased professional commitments in my role as the CEO of Delhivery, I find myself unable to dedicate the necessary time and attention required to fulfill my responsibilities as an independent director,” Barua stated in his resignation letter.
Swiggy, in a regulatory filing, confirmed that there were no material reasons for his resignation beyond those mentioned.
Major Acquisition Shifts Delhivery’s Strategic Focus
Barua’s resignation comes in the wake of Delhivery’s high-profile acquisition of Ecom Express. The company signed a definitive agreement earlier this month to acquire a controlling interest in the rival firm for approximately Rs. 1,400 crore in cash. The deal is expected to strengthen Delhivery’s last-mile delivery network and enhance its operational presence across India, particularly in underserved regions. The integration of Ecom Express is likely to demand intense focus from Delhivery’s leadership, as the company moves to consolidate its position in the competitive Indian logistics space.
Swiggy Acknowledges Contribution Ahead of IPO Plans
Swiggy board chairperson Anand Kripalu lauded Barua’s role in helping guide the company through a critical growth phase, especially as it prepares to transition into public markets.
“Sahil was one of the first independent members of Swiggy's board and has played a meaningful role in the company’s journey as we’ve scaled and transitioned toward becoming a publicly listed company,” Kripalu said. “We’re grateful for his support over the past two years and wish him continued success.”
Swiggy has not yet announced a replacement for Barua on its board, though governance experts suggest the company will likely seek a new independent director with deep domain expertise ahead of its expected IPO.
Analysts View Resignation as Strategic Prioritization
Market analysts see Barua’s departure as a sign of Delhivery’s sharpened strategic priorities.
“The Ecom Express deal is a transformative acquisition for Delhivery,” said a Mumbai-based logistics sector analyst. “It makes sense that the CEO would want to stay fully focused on integration and post-deal execution.”
Delhivery’s aggressive expansion comes at a time when demand for efficient logistics infrastructure is surging, fueled by rapid e-commerce growth and shifting consumer expectations around delivery speed and service reliability.
Outlook: A Critical Juncture for Both Firms
While Barua’s resignation may be procedural in nature, it underscores the intense focus required at the top levels of leadership during critical expansion phases. For Delhivery, the acquisition represents a consolidation of its position in a crowded logistics market. For Swiggy, which is preparing for a much-anticipated public listing, the departure of a key board member adds to the urgency of maintaining robust corporate governance structures and a steady leadership bench. As both companies navigate significant transitions, leadership decisions like these highlight the fine balance between corporate ambition and operational execution.
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