Ratan Naval Tata, the visionary chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. His leadership, marked by innovation, philanthropy, and a commitment to ethical business practices, transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate and left an indelible mark on Indian industry. 

Tata's journey began in a family steeped in business tradition. As the grandson of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, he carried a heavy legacy. However, he carved his own path, proving himself to be a visionary leader who could navigate the complexities of modern business while upholding the values of his forefathers.

A timeline: Ratan Tata's legacy

October 2024: Ratan Tata passes away at the age of 86.

December 2012: Steps down as Chairman of Tata Sons after 50 years with the Tata group; is appointed Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.

2008: Is awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India.

2008: Launches the Tata Nano, born of the trailblazing small car project he guided and commanded with zeal and determination.

2000 onwards: The growth and globalisation drive of the Tata group gathers pace under his stewardship and the new millennium sees a string of high-profile Tata acquisitions, including Tetley, Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, Brunner Mond, General Chemical Industrial Products, and Daewoo.

1991: Begins restructuring of the Tata group at a time when the liberalisation of the Indian economy is underway.

March 25, 1991: Takes over from JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons and Chairman of the Tata Trusts.

1986-1989: Serves as Chairman of Air India, the national carrier.

1983: Drafts the Tata strategic plan.

1981: Is appointed Chairman of Tata Industries; begins the process of transforming it into a promoter of high-technology businesses.

1975: Completes the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

1974: Joins the board of Tata Sons as a director.

1971: Is named director-in-charge of National Radio and Electronics (Nelco), an ailing electronics enterprise.

1970: Returns to India, joins Tata Consultancy Services, then a software fledgling, for a short stint.

1969: Works as the Tata group’s resident representative in Australia.

1965: Is appointed technical officer in Tisco’s engineering division.

1963: Moves to Tata Iron and Steel Company (now Tata Steel) at its Jamshedpur facility for a training programme.

1962: Joins the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries; spends six months training at the Jamshedpur plant of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (now Tata Motors).

1962: Awarded a bachelor of architecture degree.

1955: Leaves for Cornell University (Ithaca, New York, USA) at age 17; goes on to study architecture and engineering over a seven-year period.

1937: Ratan Tata is born to Soonoo and Naval Tata.