Ratan Tata, after graduating from Cornell University with a degree in architecture, returned to India in 1962 to work for the Tata Group. Over the years, he held positions in various Tata companies, such as Tata Motors and Tata Steel, where he successfully turned around losses and increased market share. In 1991, he took over as chairman of the conglomerate when his uncle JRD Tata stepped down, coinciding with India’s economic reforms that opened up the country’s economy and led to high growth.
Seeking to restructure and modernize the Tata Group, Ratan Tata enforced retirement ages and promoted younger talent to senior positions while asserting greater control over the companies. Under his leadership, telecommunication firm Tata Teleservices was founded in 1996, and Tata Consultancy Services, the group’s cash cow, went public in 2004. Recognizing the need for global expansion, Tata initiated a series of high-profile acquisitions, including British tea firm Tetley, Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, and British luxury auto brands Jaguar and Land Rover.
Ratan Tata was actively involved in the design and development of new Tata Motors projects, such as the Indica and the Nano – the latter aimed at creating an affordable car for the Indian masses. While the Indica achieved commercial success, the Nano faced challenges due to initial safety issues and marketing missteps, leading to its discontinuation a decade after launch. Despite these setbacks, Tata’s dedication to innovation and philanthropy remained unwavering, with about two-thirds of Tata Sons’ share capital held by philanthropic trusts.
Known for his quiet demeanor and modest lifestyle, Ratan Tata’s tenure as chairman of the Tata Group was marked by both accomplishments and controversies. One notable dispute arose with Cyrus Mistry, whom Tata Sons ousted as chairman in 2016. The conflict highlighted differing visions for the future of the conglomerate, with Tata emphasizing traditional values and philanthropy while Mistry focused on restructuring poorly performing businesses.
After stepping down from the Tata Group, Ratan Tata became a prominent investor in Indian startups, supporting companies like Paytm, Ola Electric, and Urban Company. His contributions to trade and industry in India were recognized with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008. Through his leadership, innovation, and philanthropic endeavors, Ratan Tata left a lasting impact on the Tata Group and the Indian business landscape.
