Ratan Tata Birthday: Key Moments From The Life Of The Titan Who Would Have Turned 87 In 2024
The legendary chairman of Tata Group Ratan Tata passed away this year on October 09, 2024, at Breach Candy Hospital Trust, Mumbai in the late night hours at the age of 86
Ratan Tata Birth Anniversary: December 28 is the birth anniversary of Ratan Naval Tata, the visionary former chairman of Tata Group, one of India's most influential conglomerates, spanning industries from salt to steel. Born in the year 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata was the elder son of Naval Tata, who was adopted by Ratanji Tata, the son of Jamshedji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group.
The legendary chairman of Tata Group Ratan Tata passed away this year on October 09, 2024, at Breach Candy Hospital Trust, Mumbai in the late night hours at the age of 86 after suffering from age-related issues.
In 1961, at the age of 24, Ratan Tata began his professional career with the Tata Group as a junior management trainee and started working on the shop floor at Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. This hands-on experience provided him with valuable insight into the company’s operations and the challenges it faced.
Rise Of Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata's first significant leadership role came in 1971 when he was appointed Director of National Radio and Electronics (NELCO), a Tata subsidiary. Under his leadership, NELCO was transformed from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability. In 1981, Ratan Tata was appointed Managing Director of Tata Industries, where he played a key role in diversifying the company’s portfolio and steering it toward high-tech industries. His rise continued with his appointment as Deputy Chairman of Tata Sons in 1986. This position allowed him to influence strategic decisions across the group and set the stage for greater responsibilities.
In March 1991, Ratan Tata succeeded JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons after JRD's legendary tenure of over 50 years.
Major Milestones Of Ratan Tata
Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the group made its first major international acquisition in 2000 with the purchase of Tetley Tea, the UK’s largest tea brand. This acquisition not only expanded Tata’s global footprint but also diversified its product range significantly.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions to industry and society, Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2000.
In 2007, Tata Steel made a landmark acquisition of the Corus Group for $12 billion, positioning itself as one of the largest steel producers in the world. Additionally, In 2008, Ratan Tata made waves when Tata Motors acquired the iconic British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion. This strategic acquisition enhanced Tata Motors’ portfolio and cemented its position in the global automotive market.
In another significant move in 2008, Ratan Tata introduced the Tata Nano, marketed as the world's cheapest car at the time, priced at just Rs 1 lakh. The Nano aimed to make car ownership affordable for millions of Indian families.
In 2008, Ratan Tata was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Under his leadership, Tata Global Beverages entered into a strategic partnership with Starbucks in 2012, bringing the renowned coffee chain to India and tapping into the country’s expanding coffee culture.
Leadership Transition
After an illustrious career of over five decades with the Tata Group, Ratan Tata retired as Chairman of Tata Sons in December 2012 but was named Chairman Emeritus, continuing to influence the company’s vision and growth. In October 2016, following the controversial removal of Cyrus Mistry as chairman, Ratan Tata returned as interim chairman of Tata Sons, helping to stabilize the company’s leadership.
By February 2017, Ratan Tata officially transitioned leadership to N Chandrasekaran, marking a new phase in his life and the future of the Tata Group.
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