Ratan Naval Tata (28 December 1937 – 9 October 2024) was a renowned Indian industrialist and philanthropist, best known for his leadership as the chairman of Tata Sons and the Tata Group. He steered the conglomerate from 1991 until 2012 and briefly returned as interim chairman from October 2016 to February 2017.
Tata’s contributions to Indian industry and society were widely recognized, earning him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India’s third and second-highest civilian honors respectively. Under his leadership, the Tata Group became a global powerhouse, acquiring major companies like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, transforming the group’s presence on the global stage.
Ratan Tata Profile
| Name | Ratan Tata |
| Real Name | Ratan Naval Tata |
| Date of Birth | 28 December 1937 |
| Date of Death | 9 October 2024 (86 years) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Industrialist and Philanthropist |
| Religion | Zoroastrian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $1 Billion |
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Educational Background
Ratan Tata was born in Mumbai, then known as Bombay, into the prestigious Tata family. He attended Campion School, Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, and Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. Later, he moved to the United States, where he completed his high school education at Riverdale Country School in New York. In 1959, Tata graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He also studied at Harvard Business School, completing an Advanced Management Program in 1975.
Career
Tata began his career in 1961 at Tata Steel, working on the shop floor before rising through the ranks of the family business. In 1991, he succeeded J. R. D. Tata as the chairman of Tata Sons, leading the Tata Group’s global expansion. During his tenure, Tata made several notable acquisitions, including Tetley Tea in 2000, the purchase of Corus Group in 2007, and the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008.
These moves marked Tata’s transformation of the group from an India-focused entity to a multinational conglomerate. In addition to his corporate leadership, Tata invested in over 30 start-ups, often supporting young entrepreneurs through personal investments.
Controversies
Though Tata was widely respected, his career was not without controversy. His succession plan in 2012, which saw Cyrus Mistry take over as chairman of Tata Sons, ended in a public and bitter fallout. Mistry was ousted in 2016, leading to a legal battle that shed light on corporate governance issues within the Tata Group. However, despite these challenges, Tata’s reputation as a visionary leader remained intact.
Ratan Tata Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/ratantata/?hl=en
Personal Life
Ratan Tata never married, though he admitted to coming close to marriage on several occasions. He shared a close bond with his personal assistant, Shantanu Naidu, in his later years, and Naidu often provided companionship and support. Tata was known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to philanthropy, channeling significant resources into education, healthcare, and rural development.
Ratan Tata Net Worth
Ratan Tata’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 Billion.
Death
Ratan Tata passed away on 9 October 2024 at the age of 86 in Mumbai, due to age-related complications. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in critical condition on 7 October 2024, where he was under intensive care for breathing difficulties.
His death prompted widespread mourning across India, with tributes pouring in from business leaders, political figures, and citizens. He was accorded a state funeral, with his final rites performed at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai on 10 October 2024, where he received a 21-gun salute as part of the ceremony.