Ratan Tata dies aged 86

Ratan Tata

Indian business tycoon Ratan Tata has passed away at the age of 86, according to the Tata Group, the conglomerate he led for over two decades.

Tata was widely regarded as one of India’s most internationally recognized business leaders.

The Tata Group, one of India’s largest corporations, generates annual revenues exceeding $100 billion (£76.5bn). In a statement announcing Tata’s death, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, paid tribute to his predecessor, calling him a “truly uncommon leader.” Chandrasekaran added, “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.”

During his tenure as chairman, Tata spearheaded several major acquisitions, including the purchase of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, the iconic British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, and Tetley, the world’s second-largest tea company.

UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed his condolences, describing Tata as a “titan of the business world” who had a significant influence on British industry. In a tribute, Reynolds remarked on the vital role Tata played in shaping the global business landscape.

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A 2011 profile in The Economist hailed Tata as a “titan,” crediting him with transforming his family’s business into “a global powerhouse.” Despite owning less than 1% of the conglomerate, the article noted that Tata remained one of the most powerful businessmen in India and globally. He retired as group chairman in 2012 but continued as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, the group’s holding company.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Tata’s memory, describing him as a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Modi expressed his deep sorrow at Tata’s passing, recounting their “countless interactions” over the years.

Born in 1937 into a traditional Parsi family, Ratan Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University in the United States. In 1962, he began his career at Tata Industries, undergoing training at a company plant in Jamshedpur before working at Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and National Radio and Electronics (Nelco). In 1991, Tata succeeded JRD Tata, who had led the group for over 50 years.

“JRD Tata was my greatest mentor,” Ratan Tata once said. “He was like a father and a brother to me—his influence on me is indescribable.”

In recognition of his contributions, the Indian government awarded Tata the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2008. Peter Casey, author of *The Story of Tata*, described him as a “modest, reserved, and even shy man” with a “stately calm” and a “fierce discipline.”

Despite his many accomplishments, Tata was not without controversy. In 2016, he was involved in a highly publicized management dispute when his successor, Cyrus Mistry, was removed as chairman of Tata Sons. This sparked a bitter legal feud, and Mistry tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022.

Tata’s personal life reflected a love of adventure and simplicity. He was passionate about fast cars and planes and was an avid scuba diver until age affected his ability to dive. He was also a lifelong dog lover, deeply attached to the pets who had been his companions over the years. In a 2021 interview, Tata spoke of the profound sadness he felt each time one of his dogs passed away. Yet, despite the grief, he would always welcome another pet into his home, unable to live without their presence.

Tata was often lauded for his simplicity. In 2022, a viral video of him travelling in a Nano car, once one of the world’s cheapest vehicles, and a symbol of his failed dreams, captured the essence of his down-to-earth nature.

Ratan Tata’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a business icon and a compassionate leader will continue to inspire future generations.



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