Ratan Tata, who passed away at 86, was one of India’s most renowned business leaders, known for his leadership of the Tata Group. This “salt-to-software” conglomerate comprises over 100 companies, employing approximately 660,000 people, with annual revenues exceeding $100 billion (£76.5 billion).
Founded 155 years ago by Jamsetji Tata, the Tata Group’s vast portfolio spans industries from Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel to aviation and salt production. The company is recognized for blending capitalism with philanthropy, seeking to improve the lives of others through its business practices, according to Peter Casey, author of *The Story of Tata*. Tata Sons, the group’s holding company, is largely owned by a philanthropic trust.
Ratan Tata, born in 1937 into a traditional Parsi family, was educated at Cornell University, where he studied architecture. His early years saw him return to India in 1962 to join the Tata Group at the request of JRD Tata, his mentor and a relative, after his grandmother fell ill. Starting on the factory floor, Ratan eventually turned around struggling companies and took on greater responsibilities.
In 1991, Ratan Tata succeeded JRD Tata as head of the group, a decision that sparked initial criticism. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally, making bold acquisitions like Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus and Jaguar Land Rover. While some ventures were highly successful, others, such as the Nano car and a failed telecom project, proved less fruitful.
One of Tata’s defining moments was the acquisition of Tetley in 2000, marking a significant milestone as Tata became the world’s second-largest tea company. Despite this success, he remained modest, once cautioning against excessive pride when an Indian company purchased a prominent British brand.
Tata’s leadership was also tested during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which struck the Taj Mahal Palace, one of his flagship properties. Tata supported the victims’ families, pledging to pay the salaries of the deceased employees for the rest of their lives, and spent over $1 billion to restore the hotel.
Towards the end of his career, Tata faced controversy when he returned as interim chairman of Tata Sons in 2016, following the dismissal of Cyrus Mistry, leading to a contentious management dispute. However, his legacy remains one of discipline, resilience, and philanthropy. Despite his business achievements, Tata often emphasized humility, once saying that leaders in India should lead by example rather than flaunting wealth or prominence.