‘True Veteran Of Tata Group’: Ratan Tata Pays Tribute After Close Aide R K Krishnakumar Passes Away At 84

Krishnakumar, who was born in Kerala and served in multiple positions in the group, including heading its hospitality arm Indian Hotels, had suffered a heart attack at his home.

New Delhi: Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata's close aide and Tata Group veteran R Krishnakumar passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 84. The cremation will be held at Chandanwadi Crematorium here at 4.30 pm on Monday.

Krishnakumar, who was born in Kerala served in multiple positions in the group, including heading its hospitality arm Indian Hotels. The Padma Shri awardee suffered a heart attack at his home in Mumbai on Sunday, reported news agency PTI citing officials.

Recalling the time spent with his colleague, Ratan Tata said, "Words cannot describe the deep sense of loss I feel on the passing of my friend and colleague R K Krishnakumar. I will always fondly remember the comradery we shared both within the group and personally. He was a true veteran of the Tata group and the Tata Trusts and will be missed dearly by all."

Tata Sons' current chairman N Chandrasekaran also offered condolences for Krishnakumar's "enormous contribution" to the Tata Group.

"I had the good fortune of knowing him and what stood out was his deep sense of compassion as a human being. He always wanted to help the less privileged and positively impact their lives. We pray for his departed soul and will sorely miss him," said Chandrasekaran.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to social media to offer condolences to the family and said Thalassery-born Krishnakumar helped strengthen the ties of the group with the southern state.

Kumar was also a former Tata Sons director. He was also associated with Tata’s consultancy firm, RNT Associates, and the group’s charitable trusts, which owns 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata group.

Kumar popularly referred to as KK was the force behind the 271 million pounds buy-out of Tetley in 2000, the acquisition which drove Tata Global Beverages to the second spot among the world’s tea makers apart from bringing the group and India Inc to the international stage.  He also served as the managing director of Tata Global Beverages from May 1991 to January 1998.

 

 

 

Krishnakumar had been active with the Tata Trusts after his retirement from executive roles and was reportedly a part of the team which worked alongside Ratan Tata in the Cyrus Mistry ouster episode.