Ratan Naval Tata (born December 28, 1937) is one of India’s most prominent industrialists and philanthropists, best known for his role as the former Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group—India’s largest and one of its oldest conglomerates. Under his visionary leadership from 1991 to 2012, and again as interim chairman from 2016 to 2017, the Tata Group transformed into a global enterprise, with operations in over 100 countries across six continents.
Born in Mumbai, India, Ratan Tata is the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He was educated at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and later at the Riverdale Country School in New York. He holds a degree in architecture from Cornell University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Ratan Tata began his career at Tata Steel in 1961, where he gained hands-on experience on the shop floor. After years of service in various Tata companies, he succeeded J.R.D. Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his leadership, the group saw landmark expansions, including the acquisition of international brands like Tetley (UK), Corus (UK), Jaguar Land Rover (UK), and Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (South Korea). He also spearheaded the launch of the Tata Nano, the world’s most affordable car, and the Tata Indica, India’s first indigenously developed car.
Beyond business, Ratan Tata is renowned for his deep commitment to social development and nation-building. Nearly 66% of Tata Sons’ equity is held by philanthropic trusts that fund education, healthcare, rural development, and scientific advancement in India. He personally supports causes such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and education.
He has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including India’s second and third highest civilian honors—the Padma Vibhushan (2008) and Padma Bhushan (2000). He is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade and Industry and has served on the boards of global organizations and universities, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation advisory board and the Cornell University Board of Trustees.
Ratan Tata is known for his humility, ethical leadership, and long-term thinking. Though officially retired from active business roles, he remains an influential figure in Indian industry and continues to mentor startups and young entrepreneurs through RNT Associates and Tata Trusts.
