Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group who transformed the sprawling Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and innovation, has passed away at the age of 86. The Tata Group confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday night, following reports that he had been receiving intensive care in a Mumbai hospital.
Tata’s leadership of more than two decades redefined the course of the Tata Group, which his great-grandfather, Jamsetji Tata, founded in 1868. He took the helm in 1991, just as India opened its economy to the world, and spearheaded a series of bold moves that propelled the conglomerate to international prominence.
Born into one of India’s most prominent business families, Tata earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University before returning to India in 1962 to join the family business. He worked across several Tata companies, making a significant impact by turning around struggling units such as National Radio & Electronics Company (NELCO).
However, it was his tenure as chairman, beginning in 1991, that cemented his legacy. As India entered an era of economic liberalization, Tata modernized the conglomerate by enforcing a retirement age for senior executives and promoting younger leadership within the company. His strategic vision extended beyond India, emphasizing global expansion as a pathway to growth.
Under Tata’s leadership, the group made several landmark acquisitions, beginning with the purchase of British tea company Tetley for $432 million in 2000. In 2007, Tata Group made headlines with the $13 billion acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, one of the largest takeovers by an Indian company at the time. The following year, Tata Motors acquired British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion.
In addition to global expansion, Tata spearheaded innovative projects that reflected his belief in making technology accessible to all. His work on the Tata Indica, the first car designed and built in India, and the Tata Nano, once hailed as the world’s cheapest car, underscored his commitment to affordable mobility for India’s masses. While the Indica was a commercial success, the Nano faced challenges, including marketing missteps and safety concerns, ultimately leading to its discontinuation.
A man of modest lifestyle and quiet demeanor, Tata was also known for his philanthropic efforts. Two-thirds of Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate, is owned by charitable trusts that support education, healthcare, and rural development initiatives across India. His leadership at the company was marked by a strong commitment to ethical business practices, earning him widespread respect both in India and abroad.
However, Tata’s leadership was not without controversy. A high-profile public feud erupted in 2016 when Cyrus Mistry, his successor as chairman of Tata Sons, was ousted. Mistry accused Tata of interference and fostering an alternative power structure, while the company defended its decision, citing Mistry’s failure to turn around underperforming businesses.
In the years following his retirement from Tata Group, Tata turned his attention to supporting Indian startups, investing in ventures such as digital payments platform Paytm, electric vehicle company Ola Electric, and home services provider Urban Company. His investments helped foster India’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, reflecting his continued belief in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ratan Tata’s contributions to industry and society were widely recognized. Among his many accolades, he received India’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, social responsibility, and a commitment to uplifting communities through ethical business practices. He leaves behind an enduring impact on the Tata Group and a blueprint for future generations of business leaders.