Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, dies at 86

Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata died in a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 86 years old.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran took to microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) to announce the news of Ratan Tata's demise. "It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," Chandrasekaran wrote, describing Tata as "more than a chairperson".

"To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," wrote the Tata Sons Chairman. 

Mr. Tata's dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata's genuine humility in every individual interaction. On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed," Chandrasekaran added.

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— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) October 9, 2024

For the past few days, Tata was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Ratan Tata, the patriarch of the salt-to-software conglomerate who needs no introduction, is accredited with having led the group into a new age and in style.

Tata had stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons after 50 years with the group. He was then appointed Chairman Emeritus of the group's holding company.

In 2008, the Government of India conferred Tata with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour.

Here is a summary of Tata's life, as described on the Tata Sons website:

• In 1937, Ratan Tata was born to Soonoo and Naval Tata.
• In 1955, he left for Cornell University in New York, USA, where he studied architecture and engineering for seven years.
• In 1962, Tata earned his Bachelor's degree in architecture.
• In 1962, he joined the Tata group. He was an assistant in Tata Industries. Later that year, he attended a six-months-long training at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company's the Jamshedpur plant (it is the same company known as Tata Motors today).
• In 1963, Ratan Tata moved to Tata Iron and Steel Company, or Tisco (now Tata Steel), at its Jamshedpur facility for a training programme.
• In 1965, he was appointed technical officer in Tisco’s engineering division.
• In 1969, he worked as the Tata group’s resident representative in Australia.
• He returned to India in 1970 and then joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for a short stint.
• In 1971, he was named director-in-charge of National Radio and Electronics (Nelco), an ailing electronics enterprise.
• He joined the board of Tata sons in 1974 as director.
• In 1975, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
• He was appointed Chairman of Tata Industries in 1981 where he began the process of transforming the company into a promoter of high-technology businesses.
• In 1983, he drafted the Tata strategic plan.
• During the years from 1986 to 1989, he serves as Chairman of Air India.
• On the historic 25th day March in 1991, Tata took over from JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons and Chairman of the Tata trusts.
• In 1991, he began restructuring of the Tata group. That was the time when the Indian economy was undergoing a historic liberalisation transformation.
• From 2000 onwards, the Tata group's growth and globalisation drive gathered steam under his stewardship. The conglomerate entered the new millennium with a string of high-profile acquisitions, including Tetley, Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, Brunner Mond, General Chemical Industrial Products and Daewoo.
• In 2008, Tata launched the Tata Nano.
• Later that year, Tata received the Padma Vibhushan.
• In December 2012, he stepped down as the Tata Sons Chairman and was appointed Chairman Emeritus.