Ratan Tata’s Remarkable Journey: How He Transformed Tata Group into a Global Powerhouse

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, played a key role in turning the Tata Group into one of India’s most recognized brands. Known for his sharp business sense and visionary leadership, Tata, 86, passed away today at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after being critically ill since October 9.

A Glimpse into Ratan Tata’s Life and Achievements:

1962: Ratan Tata joined the Tata Group after earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University and briefly working in Los Angeles.

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1971: He became the Director-in-charge of National Radio & Electronics Company Limited (NELCO), starting his leadership journey within the Tata Group.

1981: Tata was appointed Chairman of Tata Industries, where he led efforts to expand into new high-tech ventures.

1983: He launched Tata Salt, India’s first national brand of iodized, vacuum-evaporated salt, at a time when loose, unbranded salt was the norm.

1986: Ratan Tata was made Chairman of Air India but left the position in 1989.

1991: He succeeded JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons and the Tata Trusts, marking the start of his leadership at the helm of the Tata Group.

1999: After Tata Motors’ passenger car business was rejected by Ford Motors, which mocked their lack of experience, Ratan Tata later turned the tables by acquiring Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) from Ford.

2000: Tata received India’s Padma Bhushan, and Tata Tea acquired global tea brand Tetley for €271 million, a major step in Tata’s global expansion.

2004: Under his leadership, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) went public, becoming one of India’s largest companies today with a valuation of $183 billion.

2006: Tata entered the Direct-to-Home (DTH) television market with TataSky, becoming a leader in the TV distribution sector.

2008: Tata Motors purchased Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) from Ford Motors for $2.5 billion, helping Ford escape financial losses. This year, Ratan Tata also launched the Tata Nano, an affordable car priced at ₹1 lakh, aimed at making cars accessible to more Indians. He also received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

December 2012: Ratan Tata stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons after 50 years with the Tata Group, becoming Chairman Emeritus.

2022: Ten years after stepping down, Tata welcomed Air India back into the Tata family when the group bought the airline from the Indian government for ₹18,000 crore.

Through his leadership, Ratan Tata transformed Tata Group into a global giant, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, growth, and global impact.