Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group, whose transformative leadership turned a venerable but staid Indian conglomerate into a globally recognised powerhouse, passed away at the age of 86. The Tata Group confirmed his passing on Wednesday. Tata had been in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital, according to sources close to the family.
Born into one of India’s most prominent business families, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the legendary founder of the Tata Group. After earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University, USA, Tata returned to India and began his career in 1962 within the family business. He worked his way through various Tata companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel, making a name for himself by revitalizing underperforming divisions such as National Radio & Electronics Company (NELCO).
When he took the reins of the conglomerate in 1991, following the retirement of his uncle J.R.D. Tata, India was on the cusp of economic liberalisation. The era’s sweeping reforms opened up the country’s markets, paving the way for Tata to steer the group into uncharted waters. He set a clear agenda: streamlining the corporate structure, reducing bureaucratic inertia, and nurturing a new generation of leadership.
Under Ratan Tata’s stewardship, Tata Group emerged as a pioneer in global acquisitions, changing the perception that Indian companies were merely local players. His bold expansion strategy included high-profile takeovers like the acquisition of our very own British tea brand Tetley in 2000, Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007, and the iconic British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. These landmark deals cemented Tata’s reputation as a business leader unafraid to take calculated risks to propel the group onto the world stage.
Ratan Tata’s influence extended beyond boardroom maneuvers. He was instrumental in the launch of several flagship projects that showcased his commitment to Indian innovation and consumer needs. The Tata Indica, the first car to be designed and manufactured entirely in India, was his brainchild, as was the Nano, a compact vehicle aimed at providing affordable transportation for Indian families. Although the Nano ultimately struggled commercially, its launch epitomised Tata’s desire to serve India’s burgeoning middle class.
Known for his modest lifestyle and humility, Ratan Tata shunned the ostentatious displays of wealth typically associated with Indian business tycoons. A licensed pilot, he often flew the company’s private jet himself. He never married and dedicated much of his later years to philanthropy, with around two-thirds of Tata Sons, the group’s holding company, owned by charitable trusts.
Tata’s tenure wasn’t without its share of controversy. His decision to remove Cyrus Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons in 2016 sparked a fierce and public corporate battle that dominated headlines. The feud, marked by accusations of mismanagement and interference, shook the reputation of the typically discreet Tata Group, but Ratan Tata’s standing as the patriarch and protector of the group’s values remained largely unscathed.
After retiring from active leadership, Ratan Tata turned his attention to mentoring young entrepreneurs, becoming a prominent angel investor in Indian startups. His investments in companies like Paytm, Ola Electric, and Urban Company not only supported the next generation of Indian businesses but also showcased his keen eye for innovation and emerging markets.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is one of transformation—he expanded the Tata Group’s global footprint while maintaining its core values of integrity and community service. He received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008.
He leaves behind a rich legacy of leadership, vision, and social responsibility. As India and the world mourn his passing, Ratan Tata’s life stands as a testament to the power of principled business and the enduring impact of entrepreneurship on a global scale.
