As Ratan Tata’s left Rs. 34 Lakh crore business empire behind him, now the question arises who will lead the Tata Group in future?
The veteran industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata breathed his last at a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night. Throughout his life, he achieved several significant milestones, playing a pivotal role in making Tata Group a global entity. Ratan Tata had retired in 2012 at the age of 74. At the age of 86, Ratan Tata passed away on 9th October, sparking widespread discussions about his successor, especially since he had no children. Now the big question remains: who will take over the management of Tata Group’s massive business empire, which is valued at around Rs.34 lakh crore?
The pressing question is who will now lead the management of the Tata Group’s vast empire, valued at a market capitalization of around $403 billion (₹33.7 lakh crore) as of August 20, 2024.
Tata Group’s Succession Plan
The Tata Group had been prepared with a well thought of succession strategy, according to a report by Aaj Tak. Since 2017, N. Chandrasekaran has been serving as the Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the group. Other family members are managing various responsibilities within the business, and there are potential future leaders in place to take up key roles in the group.
Who Manages Tata Group’s Businesses Now?
Jimmy Tata: Jimmy Tata is Ratan Tata’s biological brother. Like Ratan, Jimmy is also unmarried and has kept a low profile. Before retiring in the 1990s, Jimmy worked at several Tata companies. He remains a shareholder in Tata Sons and other Tata companies.
Noel Tata: Noel Tata is Ratan Tata’s half-brother and a key figure in the group’s future. His relationship with the Tata legacy makes him a strong contender for leadership. Noel has three children, Maya, Neville, and Leah Tata, who are all potential successors. Noel currently serves as the Chairman of Tata International and holds significant roles in other Tata companies.
Maya Tata: At 34, Maya Tata is actively involved in the Tata Group. After completing her education at Bayes Business School and the University of Warwick, she took on key positions at Tata Opportunities Fund and Tata Digital. She played a crucial role in launching the Tata Neu app, showing her strategic skills and forward thinking abilities.
Neville Tata: At 32, Neville Tata is deeply involved in the family business. He is married to Mansi Kirloskar of the Toyota Kirloskar Group. Neville heads Star Market, a leading hypermarket chain under Trent Limited, showcasing his leadership potential as a future leader within Tata Group.
Leah Tata: The eldest of the siblings, 39-year-old Leah Tata, plays a significant role in Tata Group’s hospitality sector. After earning a degree from Spain’s IE Business School, she contributed to Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces. She currently manages operations at the Indian Hotels Company, adding to her leadership experience.
Who Will Be The Future Leader Of Tata Group?
Following Ratan Tata’s demise, questions about Tata Group’s leadership remain. With Noel Tata and his children emerging as prominent contenders, the group is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, integrity, and social impact. The next phase of leadership will shape not only the corporate direction but also the future of one of India’s most renowned conglomerates.