Ratan Tata, who passed away at 86, was a transformative leader of the Tata Group, known for his philanthropy, global expansions, and commitment to ethical business practices.
Ratan Tata, who passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 86, was a monumental figure in the evolution of India's Tata Group into a global powerhouse. Renowned for his humble lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy, Tata guided the conglomerate for 21 years, significantly enhancing its international presence. Under his stewardship, the group made high-profile acquisitions, including the iconic brand's Jaguar and Land Rover, while prioritising charitable endeavours.
As one of the most respected industrialists globally, Tata oversaw a portfolio of 30 companies that operated in more than 100 countries across six continents. Notably, he was never featured on any billionaire lists, a testament to his dedication to social responsibility over personal wealth accumulation.
In March 1991, Tata took over leadership from JRD Tata, becoming Chairman of Tata Sons and the Tata Trusts, with Tata Sons serving as the main investment holding entity for the group, where 66% of its equity is held by philanthropic trusts dedicated to supporting education, health, livelihood generation, and cultural initiatives.
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During his tenure, Ratan Tata championed a globalisation strategy that led to significant acquisitions, including Tetley, Corus, Brunner Mond, General Chemical Industrial Products, and Daewoo. His visionary approach not only diversified the group's business interests but also solidified its standing on the global stage.
In December 2012, after a remarkable 50 years with the Tata Group, Ratan Tata stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons, receiving the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus shortly thereafter. His influence endures in the diverse sectors represented by the Tata Group today:
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