Tata conglomerate chairman emeritus dies in Mumbai hospital

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's largest corporations, Tata Sons, has died at the age of 86. On Monday, the industrialist had dismissed speculations about his health in a social media post, saying he was undergoing routine medical check-ups due to his age.

“It is with a deep sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly unusual leader whose immeasurable contributions shaped not only the Tata Group but also the fabric of our nation,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons in an explanation.

“For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than just a chairman. For me he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by his example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group under his leadership has expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass, said Mr. Chandrasekaran.

Recalling Mr. Tata's contribution to philanthropy, Mr. Chandrasekharan said, “From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit future generations.”

Ratan Tata became chairman of the $100 billion conglomerate that turns steel into software in 1991 and led the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a century ago until 2012.

He founded the telecommunications company Tata Teleservices in 1996 and took the IT company Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004.

In 2004, there was a role reversal: Tata Group, an Indian company that had acquired the iconic British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, was portrayed as a reverse colonialist.

In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled its promise of making the world's cheapest car accessible to the middle class. Priced at Rs 1 lakh, the Tata Nano became a symbol of innovation and affordability.

Mr. Tata was chairman of the Tata Group twice, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. Although he retired from the company's day-to-day operations, he continued to lead its charitable foundations.

Cyrus Mistry, who succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons but was later ousted in India's most high-profile board coup, died in a car accident in 2022. The bitter feud between the two remained unresolved.

After his resignation, Ratan Tata became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals.

Long after his retirement, Mr. Tata remained a popular figure on social media, with heartfelt posts about animal rights (especially dogs) and appeals to Indian citizens.

Continuing a tradition dating back to the time of Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata ensured that Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, remained a haven for stray dogs.

With over 13 million followers on

Early life
Ratan Tata was born in 1937 and was raised by his grandmother Navajbai Tata after his parents separated in 1948.

He studied architecture at Cornell University and then completed a management course at Harvard.

According to his own statements, the young entrepreneur was about to get married four times.

He once admitted that he fell in love with Los Angeles while working. But because of the ongoing Indochina War of 1962, the girl's parents refused to let her move to India.

Honors
In 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award. In 2000, he had received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest award.

Largest shareholder of Tata Group
Tata Group's largest shareholder is another Parsee businessman, Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, whose 18% stake is worth ₹5 billion. His son-in-law Noel is also Ratan Tata's half-brother.