Who was Ratan Tata? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In December

Also Known As: Ratan Naval Tata

Died At Age: 86

Family:

father: Naval Tata

mother: Sooni Tata

siblings: Noel Tata

Born Country: India

Hoteliers Telecommunication

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Died on: October 9, 2024

place of death: Mumbai

Founder/Co-Founder: Tata DoCoMo, Tata Teleservices

More Facts

education: Cornell University, Harvard Business School, Harvard University, Bishop Cotton School, The Cathedral & John Connon School, Campion School, Mumbai

awards: Padma Bhushan (2000)
Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay (2004)
Padma Vibhusan (2008)

Oslo Business for Peace Award (2010)
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of The Order of the British Empire (2014)

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1

What was Ratan Tata known for?

Ratan Tata was known for being the former chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates.
2

How did Ratan Tata transform the Tata Group?

Ratan Tata is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate through strategic acquisitions, investments, and expansion into new markets and industries.
3

What are some key initiatives Ratan Tata led during his tenure?

Ratan Tata led initiatives such as the Tata Nano project, Tata Motors' acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, and the establishment of the Tata Trusts for philanthropic activities.
4

How did Ratan Tata contribute to social causes?

Ratan Tata was known for his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Tata Trusts which focus on areas such as healthcare, education, and rural development in India.
5

What was Ratan Tata's approach to leadership?

Ratan Tata was known for his ethical leadership style, focus on innovation, and commitment to corporate social responsibility, setting a high standard for leadership in the business world.

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Childhood & Early Life

He was born on December 28, 1937, in Surat, India, to Naval Tata and Sonoo. Naval Tata was the adopted son of the Jamsetji Tata’s younger son Ratanji Tata. Jamsetji Tata was the founder of the Tata Group of Companies. Ratan Tata has a brother, Jimmy, and a step-brother, Noel Tata.

When he was ten, his parents, got separated and thereafter, he and his brother were brought up by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata.

He received his early education from the Campion School, Mumbai and finished his schooling from the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. In 1962, he obtained his B.S. in architecture with structural engineering from Cornell University, U.S.A.

Later he got enrolled at the Harvard Business School and completed an Advanced Management Program in 1975.

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Career

In 1962, he started his career with the Tata Steel division where he shoveled stones and worked with the furnaces along with the blue-collar employees. It was a difficult job and helped him gain a better understanding and respect for his family business.

In 1971, he was appointed as the Director-in-Charge of the National Radio & Electronics Company Limited (NELCO) in order to help its struggling finances. He worked towards building a better consumer electronics division but the economic recession and union strikes prevented him from achieving success.

In 1977, he was moved to Empress Mills, a struggling textile mill within the Tata Group. He proposed a plan for the mill but the other Tata executives rejected it and the mill was shut down. Later, he was moved to the Tata Industries.

In 1991, J.R.D. Tata appointed him as the new Chairman of the Tata Group of Companies. This decision came under scrutiny following objections from other executives of the company and questions were raised regarding his ability to run the corporation.

But he succeeded in improving the financial success of the industries and expanded the growth of the organization under his leadership. He transformed the management and vision of the division, and managed to bring in significantly larger dividends.

He also became a member of the Prime Minister's Council on Trade and Industry. He served on the advisory board of the RAND's center for Asia Pacific Policy and is also an active participant in India's AIDS initiative program.

He held the membership of the international advisory board of the Mitsubishi Cooperation, the American International Group, JP Morgan Chase and Booze Allen Hamilton.

On his 75th birthday, i.e, on December 28, 2012, he resigned from the post of Chairman of Tata Group and was succeeded by Cyrus Mistry, managing director of Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Even after his retirement, he continued to invest in upcoming promising business ventures.

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Major Works

As the Chairman of Tata Group, he was able to achieve international recognition and prestige for his company. The astounding financial success of the company brought the Tata Group to the New York Stock Exchange and under his supervision the corporation became a global brand by acquiring many companies including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.

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He was instrumental in the conception and building of Tata Nano and Tata Indica cars.

He was also a notable philanthropist and more than 65% of his share were invested in charitable trusts. One of the primary goals of his life had been to raise the quality of life of Indians along with human development.

Awards & Achievements

In 2000, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honor awarded by the Government of India.

In 2004, he received the ‘Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay’ from the Government of Uruguay.

In 2005, he was conferred the ‘International Distinguished Achievement Award’ by the B'nai B'rith International.

In 2007, he was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of The London School of Economics and Political Science.

In 2008, he was awarded the ‘Padma Vibhusan’, the second highest civilian honor awarded by the Government of India.

In 2009, he received the ‘Award of 'Grand Officer' of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic’ from the Government of Italy.

In 2009, he was awarded the title of Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, United Kingdom.

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In 2010, he won the ‘Oslo Business for Peace Award’ presented by the Business for Peace Foundation.

In 2014, he was conferred the ‘Honorary Knight Grand Cross of The Order of the British Empire’.

Personal Life, Legacy & Death

Ratan Tata was a bachelor. He was known for his low profile lifestyle. He resided in a simple house in Mumbai and drove around in a Tata Sedan.

On October 7, 2024, Tata mentioned he was undergoing routine medical tests due to age-related health issues. He was in critical condition and under intensive care. Ratan Tata passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86.

Ratan Tata was a visionary leader who made a lasting impact in both business and philanthropy. His legacy continues to inspire across industries and charitable endeavors.

Facts About Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his own private planes in his free time.

He was known for his love of animals, especially dogs, and was actively involved in animal welfare initiatives.

Ratan Tata held a black belt in karate and practised the martial art for many years.

He was a passionate collector of vintage cars and had an impressive collection that he enjoyed showcasing at car rallies.

Ratan Tata was a skilled artist and had a talent for painting, which he often used as a creative outlet.

Ratan Tata Biography

You wanted to know

What was Ratan Tata known for?

How did Ratan Tata transform the Tata Group?

What are some key initiatives Ratan Tata led during his tenure?

How did Ratan Tata contribute to social causes?

What was Ratan Tata's approach to leadership?