Explorer

Meet Simone Tata: Mother Of Noel Tata, Stepmother Of Ratan Tata, And The Force Behind Lakmé’s Success

In 1961, Simone Tata took over as the Managing Director of Lakmé, setting the stage for its rapid growth

Simone Tata, a pivotal figure in India’s beauty industry, played a significant role in transforming the country’s first beauty brand, Lakmé, into a household name. While Simone didn’t establish Lakmé, her contributions turned the brand into a Rs 200 crore empire.

The Birth of Lakmé

Lakmé was launched in 1952 as India’s first indigenous beauty brand. Initially operating out of a small rented space, it gradually expanded its reach. By 1960, the brand had outgrown its modest beginnings and moved into a larger facility. The introduction of Lakmé had a profound impact on the Indian beauty industry, drastically reducing the import of foreign beauty products into the country.

Simone Tata’s Journey to India

Simone Tata's story began far from India, in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was born in 1930. After completing her education at Geneva University, her life took a turn in 1953 when she moved to India. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata, a prominent figure in the Tata family. This union marked her lifelong association with India. Simone became the mother of Noel Tata and stepmother to Ratan Tata, the iconic chairman of Tata Group.

ALSO READ | Ratan Tata’s Heartfelt Letter To Former PM Goes Viral; Here's What It States

Lakmé's Rise Under Simone Tata

In 1961, Simone Tata took over as the Managing Director of Lakmé, setting the stage for its rapid growth. Under her leadership, the brand flourished. By 1980, Lakmé had opened its first branded beauty salon, and Simone continued as chairperson until 1982.

Simone was deeply involved in product development for Lakmé. She would source products from abroad and work tirelessly to create Indian alternatives of the same high quality. Her hands-on approach ensured that Lakmé products met international standards, making the brand a trusted name in the Indian market.

The Westside Venture

Simone Tata’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t confined to the beauty industry. She also founded the retail clothing store, Westside, further solidifying her impact on the Indian consumer landscape.

Lakmé and Hindustan Unilever

In 1993, Tata Group entered a 50:50 partnership with Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to manage Lakmé. Five years later, in 1998, Tata sold the remaining stake in Lakmé to HUL for Rs 200 crore, confident that the brand’s future was in capable hands.

Simone Tata’s legacy endures as the driving force behind the transformation of Lakmé from a fledgling brand to a beauty giant, shaping the Indian beauty and fashion industries.

ALSO READ | Ratan Tata's Watch Costs Less Than You Think. Know The Price Of Victorinox Swiss Army Recon

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Not One For Horse-Trading': PM Modi Pays Tribute To Former PM. WATCH
'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Not One For Horse-Trading': PM Modi Pays Tribute To Former PM. WATCH
CM Atishi To Be Arrested In Fake Case Soon, Claims Arvind Kejriwal Ahead Of Delhi Elections
CM Atishi To Be Arrested In Fake Case Soon, Claims Arvind Kejriwal Ahead Of Delhi Elections
Fog Reduces Visibility In Delhi On Christmas; Trains Delayed, Airport Issues Travel Advisory
Fog Reduces Visibility In Delhi On Christmas; Trains Delayed, Airport Issues Travel Advisory
'Atithi Devo Bhava': Himachal CM Sukhu Asks Police Not To Lock Up Tipsy Guests During New Year Carnivals
'Atithi Devo Bhava': Here's What Himachal Police Will Do To Tipsy Guests During New Year Carnivals
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari Targets Kejriwal Over AAP's New Schemes Amid Delhi ElectionsAmit Shah and PM Modi Attend Prayer Meet on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th Anniversary at Sadaiv AtalIndia Celebrates Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th Birth Anniversary with Prayer Meet at Sadaiv AtalRajasthan News: Tragic Accident in Rajasthan’s Karauli, Collision Between Car and Bus Claims 5 Lives

Photo Gallery

Embed widget