Who will take over the Tata legacy after Ratan Tata's departure?

Ratan Tata: Former Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata passed away at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday night, leaving not only the Tata Group but the entire country in mourning. Ratan Tata was a shining star of the Indian industry, who gave the Tata Group a global identity with his vision, leadership and innovation. Now after his departure, the biggest question is who will take over his legacy.

Legacy and leadership of Tata Group

The history of the Tata Group has been glorious. Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the group has not only contributed significantly to the Indian economy, but also gave it recognition on the global stage. After Jamsetji Tata, his successors Sir Dorabji Tata (1904–1932), JRD Tata (1938–1991), and Ratan Tata (1991–2012) took charge of the company. Till now, the top leadership in the Tata Group has been handed over to the members of the Tata family, but currently the command of the company is with N Chandrasekaran, who is not from the Tata family.

Leah, Maya and Neville Tata, children of Ratan Tata's stepbrother Noel Naval Tata, are also working in various positions in the company. Leah Tata, who is the eldest daughter of the Tata Group, is currently working as Vice President in The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). At the same time, Maya Tata started her career as an analyst in Tata Capital, while Neville Tata started his professional journey with Trent.

The unshakable legacy of the Tata Group

The Tata Group has set many milestones in the Indian industry since its inception. Its companies are spread across more than 100 countries and it employs more than 1 million people. The products of the Tata Group have created a unique identity by becoming a part of the daily life of Indians, be it tea, car, or watch and entertainment services. The total revenue of the Tata Group was Rs 13.86 lakh crore in 2023-24.

5 inspirational business lessons of Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata's life and career are a symbol of success and struggle. The five important business lessons given by him are still a guide for every entrepreneur and leader:

Risk Taker: Ratan Tata always took big risks. He took the Tata Group to new heights by acquiring Jaguar Land Rover and Europe's second largest steel company Corus. The acquisition of Tetley Tea Company was also one of his major achievements.

Decision Maker: When he decided to make a passenger car in the 1990s, it was severely criticized. But he made Tata a successful car company. His acquisition of Corus was also a bold move, which benefited the company.

Ideator: Ratan Tata dreamed of a car worth Rs 1 lakh and launched Tata Nano in 2009. Even though the project was eventually closed, his idea is still praised today. Tata Indica and Tata Safari are also the result of his visionary leadership.

Leader: Ratan Tata was not only a good business leader but also a source of inspiration for his employees. He always supported the employees and stood by them in their difficult times. Once he travelled from Mumbai to Pune to meet a former employee who was unwell for two years, which shows the depth of his sensitivity and leadership.

Innovator: Ratan Tata always emphasized on innovation. He not only manufactured cars like Indica and Nano, but also invested in startups like Ola Electric, Lenskart, and Paytm, proving that innovation determines the future of a company.

Way forward: Who will take over Tata's legacy?

The question on whose shoulders will the burden of Ratan Tata's legacy go is important for the future of the Tata Group. Currently N Chandrasekaran is the chairman of Tata Sons and he has handled the Tata Group well. But in the coming times, it will be interesting to see whether a member of the Tata family will come forward in this role, or the company will remain in the hands of external professionals like this.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata's demise marks the end of an era, but his legacy and the business lessons he taught will continue to inspire. Whoever leads the future of the Tata Group, it is certain that the principles and values ​​established by Ratan Tata will continue to guide it.