Ratan Tata, the iconic chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has passed away at the age of 86. He breathed his last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital due to age-related health issues.
Looking back at his phenomenal journey
A towering figure in Indian industry, Ratan Tata’s leadership from 1991 to 2012 marked a period of immense growth for the Tata Group, particularly with major acquisitions such as Tetley, Corus, and Jaguar Land Rover, which cemented the conglomerate’s global standing.
Ratan Tata, born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, India, is one of India’s most iconic business leaders and a symbol of integrity, vision, and philanthropy. He was born into the prestigious Tata family, which has played a central role in shaping India’s industrial landscape.
Despite his privileged background, Tata’s early life was marked by challenges, including his parents’ separation when he was just seven. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, he grew up in a traditional Parsi household.
Education and Early Career:
Ratan Tata completed his schooling in Mumbai before moving to the United States for higher education. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962, a discipline he was initially drawn to.
After completing an advanced management program at Harvard Business School in 1975, he briefly considered joining IBM, but following the advice of his uncle, JRD Tata, Ratan returned to India to join the Tata family business.
His early career at Tata was not glamorous. Ratan started at Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, where he worked on the shop floor shoveling limestone and handling blast furnaces. This grounding in the practical aspects of industry gave him a deep understanding of the company’s operations.
In 1991, JRD Tata, the then-chairman of Tata Sons, stepped down and chose Ratan as his successor. At the time, many questioned the decision, as Ratan was seen as a quieter, more reserved figure compared to other contenders for the role.
However, JRD’s trust in Ratan was well-placed. Under his leadership, Tata Group transformed from a predominantly India-focused conglomerate into a global enterprise.
One of Ratan Tata’s defining strategies was international expansion. His leadership led to several high-profile acquisitions that elevated Tata Group’s global profile. Some of the most notable acquisitions include:
- Tetley Tea in 2000, for $450 million, which made Tata Tea the world’s second-largest tea company.
- Corus Steel in 2007, for $8 billion, which was one of the largest foreign acquisitions by an Indian company at the time, later renamed it as Tata Steel Europe Ltd.
- Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, purchased for $2.3 billion from Ford. This acquisition, particularly, proved highly successful and continues to be one of Tata Motors’ most profitable ventures.
Ratan Tata’s leadership was also marked by his focus on innovation and social responsibility. One of his most notable contributions was the development of the Tata Nano, introduced in 2008 as the world’s cheapest car, with the goal of providing affordable transportation to millions of Indian families.
While the Nano did not achieve the commercial success expected, it highlighted Tata’s commitment to addressing the needs of the common Indian.
Philanthropy and Legacy:
Beyond business, Ratan Tata is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts. He believes strongly in giving back to society, and under his leadership, Tata Trusts (which control around two-thirds of Tata Sons’ shares) became a powerful force in philanthropy. Tata Trusts have funded numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, and environmental conservation.
Unlike many business leaders, Tata has always maintained a low profile regarding his wealth, living modestly compared to his billionaire peers. His personal net worth is relatively small compared to the value of the businesses he has controlled, largely because a significant portion of Tata Group’s wealth is held by charitable trusts.
Retirement and Ongoing Influence:
Ratan Tata stepped down as chairman of Tata Sons in 2012 at the age of 75, appointing Cyrus Mistry as his successor. However, Tata remained deeply involved in the group’s activities as Chairman Emeritus and continued to serve on the boards of several Tata companies.
In a surprising turn of events, in 2016, Cyrus Mistry was ousted from his position, and Ratan Tata returned as interim chairman of Tata Sons for several months before appointing Natarajan Chandrasekaran as the new permanent chairman.
Even after retirement, Tata remains a key figure in Indian business and continues to inspire young entrepreneurs. His investments in startups—including companies like Paytm, Ola, and Snapdeal—reflect his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting India’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Awards and Recognition:
Ratan Tata’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades over the years. He has been honored with some of India’s highest civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000.
The Padma Vibhushan in 2008. His leadership, business ethics, and vision have also been recognized globally, and he is widely respected as a statesman of Indian industry.
Personal Life:
Despite being a public figure, Ratan Tata has always kept his personal life private. He has never married, though in various interviews, he has hinted at several close relationships during his younger years. He has a deep passion for cars, aviation, and philanthropy, often spending his leisure time flying planes or supporting causes close to his heart.
In his last interaction with people on social media, he shared,” Thank You for thinking of me.”
Death:
On October 9, 2024, Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86 due to age-related health complications. His death marks the end of an era for the Tata Group and Indian business. Tata’s legacy, however, continues to live on through the companies he helped build, the people he inspired, and the countless lives improved through his philanthropic work.
Ratan Tata’s life exemplifies the rare combination of business acumen, humility, and compassion. He led by example, showing that it is possible to run successful businesses while also prioritizing ethical values and social impact. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India and the world, ensuring that his name will be remembered for generations to come.
