Ratan Tata, one of India’s most renowned and influential business leaders, passed away at the age of 86, the Tata Group announced. Known for leading the conglomerate for over two decades, Tata transformed it into a global powerhouse with annual revenues exceeding $100 billion.
In a statement, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, described Tata as a "truly uncommon leader." He extended condolences on behalf of the entire Tata family, saying, “His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.”
Tata's tenure as chairman saw several landmark acquisitions, including the purchase of Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley, the world’s second-largest tea company. UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds paid tribute to him as a "titan of the business world" who significantly shaped British industry.
Born in 1937 into a traditional Parsi family, Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University before joining Tata Industries in 1962. He worked across various group companies, including Tata Steel and Tata Consultancy Services, before succeeding JRD Tata as chairman in 1991.
Widely respected for his humility and vision, Tata was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India's second-highest civilian award. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a "visionary business leader" and an "extraordinary human being." Modi expressed his grief on X, formerly known as Twitter, recalling his many interactions with Tata.
Beyond business, Tata was known for his love of fast cars, planes, scuba diving, and dogs, often fondly recalling the pets that had been a part of his life. Despite his international success, he was remembered for his simplicity, as highlighted by a viral video of him traveling in a Tata Nano, one of his most ambitious projects.
Though he retired in 2012 and became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata’s influence continued to shape the Tata Group and the business world at large. His legacy as a compassionate leader, a visionary entrepreneur, and a humble individual will endure for generations.