Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata passes away at 86

Ratan Tata an icon of Indian industry and a towering figure respected globally, passed away at age 86, on Wednesday, 9 October, 2024.

The Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group was suffering from age-related health issues for the past few years. His condition worsened a few days ago, following which he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital where he peacefully breathed his last.

Ratan Tata, who led the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, was a giant of a man who grew the salt-to-software conglomerate from a domestic industry leader into a global powerhouse.

Under his visionary leadership, the group expanded its footprint  internationally, acquiring iconic brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Corus Steel, and Tetley Tea.

“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,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

Ratan Tata, born in 1937, served as Chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012. He briefly returned to the role in 2016, as interim CEO, following the controversial dismissal of his successor, Cyrus Mistry. During his tenure, the group saw significant growth in revenue and profit.

Tata graduated from the Cornell University College of Architecture with a bachelor's degree in architecture and joined the Tata Group in 1961. In 2008, he was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Driven by his passion for cars, Ratan Tata devoted much of his time and energy to Tata Motors, which he single handedly transformed from a maker of trucks to a full-fleged automobile company that became capable of acquiring and integrating a legendary automaker such as the UK-based Jaguar Land Rover.

His brainchild, the Tata Indica, was a breakthrough product that, for the first time, put an Indian company in direct competition with global automotive giants. The Tata Nano, another Ratan Tata brainchild, failed to woo customers but inspired many global automakers to develop their own low-cost cars. The Renault Kwid is one such example that was influenced by the Nano

India Inc took to social media to express their condolences. "The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P," said Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises said on X.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group said: “…Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die.”

Ratan Tata's impact is not only in the companies he built but in the values of integrity, ethics, and nation-building he championed. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that transcends business, inspiring generations of entrepreneurs and leaders around the world.