Ratan Tata, the visionary business leader who guided India's Tata Group through a transformative period of international growth, has passed away at the age of 86, as announced by the company on Wednesday.
Tata became chairman of the conglomerate in 1991 and led it for over two decades, during which time the group made several high-profile acquisitions, including British brands Jaguar and Land Rover, European steelmaker Corus, and the tea company Tetley. His leadership significantly expanded the Tata Group’s global presence while maintaining a strong focus on philanthropy and societal development.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, paid tribute to Tata, calling him an inspiring figure who helped the group strengthen its global footprint while remaining committed to improving society.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, hailing Tata as a visionary leader and compassionate soul who earned admiration for his humility and dedication to making the world a better place.
Tata Group Legacy Founded in 1868, Tata Group is one of India’s largest conglomerates, operating in over 100 countries and across more than 30 industries. Under Ratan Tata's leadership, the company’s revenue more than doubled, cementing its position as a global powerhouse. For his contributions, Tata was named Forbes’ Asian Businessman of the Year in 2005. Even after stepping down as chairman in 2012, he held the honorary title of “chairman emeritus” of several Tata companies.
Tata’s death follows reports that he had been receiving routine medical care. Just days earlier, he had shared on social media that he was undergoing regular check-ups due to his age.
Impact The Tata Group reported $165 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2023-24, employing over one million people worldwide. Ratan Tata’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the company’s journey into a global giant while staying true to its values of social responsibility.
