Indian tycoon Ratan Tata dies at 86

Indian business magnate Ratan Tata has passed away at the age of 86, as announced by the Tata Group, which he led for over two decades. Tata was widely recognized as one of India’s most prominent global business figures. The Tata Group, one of India’s largest companies, generates annual revenues exceeding $100 billion (£76.5 billion).

In a statement regarding his passing, Tata Sons’ current chairman referred to him as a “truly uncommon leader,” expressing condolences to his family on behalf of the entire Tata organization. He added that Tata’s legacy would continue to inspire as they aim to uphold the values he championed.

Under Tata’s leadership, the conglomerate made several significant acquisitions, such as the purchase of Corus, the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker, along with UK car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, and Tetley, the world’s second-largest tea company.

In a 2011 profile, *The Economist* referred to Tata as a “titan,” noting his pivotal role in transforming the group into a global powerhouse. Despite owning less than 1% of the company, he was hailed as the most powerful businessman in India and a major global figure.

Tata retired in 2012, assuming the title of chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, the group’s holding company. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tata as a visionary leader, a compassionate individual, and an extraordinary human being. In a tribute shared on X (formerly Twitter), Modi reflected on his numerous interactions with Tata and expressed deep sorrow at his death.

Born into a traditional Parsi family in 1937, Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University in the US. He joined Tata Industries in 1962 as an assistant and trained for six months at the company’s Jamshedpur plant. Throughout his career, he contributed to various Tata companies, including Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and National Radio and Electronics (Nelco). In 1991, JRD Tata, who led the group for over 50 years, named Ratan Tata as his successor. Reflecting on this relationship, Tata later described JRD Tata as both a father figure and a mentor.

In 2008, Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor. Author Peter Casey, who wrote *The Story of Tata*, described him as a reserved and modest man, known for his calm demeanor and strong discipline.

In 2016, Tata found himself in the midst of a controversial management feud following the removal of his successor Cyrus Mistry as Tata Sons chairman. Mistry later died in a car accident in 2022.

Tata was also known for his personal passions, including his love for fast cars, airplanes, and scuba diving, though he had to give up diving as he aged. He was a devoted dog lover, often reflecting on the pets that brought him joy throughout his life. Despite the pain of losing them, he always welcomed new dogs into his home.

Tata’s simplicity was often praised. In 2022, a video of him traveling in a Nano car—one of the world’s cheapest cars, and a symbol of a failed Tata project—went viral, showcasing his modesty.