By dubailife 
**Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Global Leadership and Visionary Acquisitions**
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group, who transformed the Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse through a series of high-profile international acquisitions, passed away at the age of 86, the Tata Group confirmed on Wednesday. He had been undergoing intensive care at a hospital in Mumbai, according to sources close to the situation.
Ratan Tata’s leadership spanned over two decades, during which he worked across various Tata companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel, leaving a lasting impact by reviving losses and expanding market share. His journey with the Tata Group began in 1991 when he succeeded his uncle, J.R.D. Tata, as chairman. This leadership change coincided with India’s economic liberalization, a period that saw unprecedented growth and opportunities for Indian businesses on the global stage.
One of his early moves was to streamline the management of the conglomerate by enforcing retirement ages for senior leaders and promoting younger talent. Ratan Tata’s visionary approach also saw the formation of Tata Teleservices in 1996 and the public listing of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2004, which remains one of the group’s most profitable ventures.
However, Ratan Tata’s global ambitions were not confined to Indian borders. He recognized that for the Tata Group to grow significantly, it needed to explore international opportunities. In a 2013 interview with Stanford Graduate School of Business, he mentioned that the group’s growth hinged on acquisitions, a strategy previously unexplored by the conglomerate.
Under his leadership, Tata Group made several landmark acquisitions, starting with the purchase of British tea company Tetley in 2000 for $432 million. This was followed by the $13 billion acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007, marking the largest foreign takeover by an Indian company at the time. In 2008, Tata Motors took over iconic British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion, further cementing the group’s global presence.
Ratan Tata’s personal passion for automobiles also led to the development of the Tata Indica, the first car designed and manufactured entirely in India, and the Nano, marketed as the world’s cheapest car. While the Indica found commercial success, the Nano struggled due to safety concerns and marketing missteps, eventually being discontinued a decade after its launch.
Despite these challenges, Ratan Tata’s tenure at Tata Group was marked by a focus on innovation and growth, combined with a strong commitment to ethics and philanthropy. A licensed pilot who occasionally flew the company plane, he led a modest lifestyle and never married. His dedication to philanthropy was evident, with about two-thirds of Tata Sons, the holding company of the group, being controlled by charitable trusts.
Ratan Tata’s leadership also saw its share of controversies, most notably the public fallout with Cyrus Mistry, who was ousted as chairman of Tata Sons in 2016. Mistry alleged that Ratan Tata continued to influence decision-making even after stepping down, creating an alternate power center within the group.
After his official retirement from the Tata Group, Ratan Tata became a key investor in Indian startups, backing companies like Paytm, Ola Electric, and Urban Company, contributing to India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Among his many accolades, Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008, recognizing his exceptional contributions to trade and industry. His legacy as a business titan, philanthropist, and visionary leader will continue to inspire generations of Indian entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Source : Khaleejtimes