Ratan Tata, Tata Sons’ Chairman Emeritus, died at the Breach Candy Hospital from age-related health issues. He was 86. Tata was brought to the hospital on Monday, prompting widespread speculation about his health in corporate, political, and public circles.

Later, he stated that he was undergoing standard medical tests for age-related health concerns. He was then reportedly put on life support, though Tata Group executives declined to confirm or refute this.

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, stated that it is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a genuinely exceptional leader whose incalculable contributions have impacted not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.

“For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than just a chairman. For me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He led by example. Under his leadership, the Tata Group extended its global footprint while maintaining committed to its moral compass.

“Mr. Tata’s commitment to philanthropy and social development has had an impact on millions of people. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a lasting impact that will benefit future generations. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction served to reinforce all of this work.

“On behalf of the whole Tata family, I send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we try to maintain the principles he so passionately championed.”

Tata, known for his genteel demeanor hiding a stern and keen commercial acumen, was the all-powerful Chairman of Tata Sons, the Tata Group’s holding company, from 1991 until his retirement on December 28, 2012.

Under his leadership, the group’s revenues increased dramatically, reaching more than $100 billion (in 2011-12).
Tata has previously served as Chairman of important Tata firms such as Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, and Tata Teleservices.
He was also involved with several groups in India and overseas, serving on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase.

Tata was also Chairman of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s Council of Management, as well as a member of the Cornell University and University of Southern California Boards of Trustees.

The Mumbai-born and educated Tata, born on December 28, 1937, joined the Tata group as a young executive in 1962, after earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University that year.

He temporarily worked with Jones and Emmons in Los Angeles before moving to India at the end of 1962 and working on Tata Steel’s shop floor.

After working for several organizations, he was appointed Director-in-Charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company in 1971, and he later attended an Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in 1975.

In 1981, he was appointed Chairman of Tata Industries, the firm’s other holding company, where he was in charge of developing it into a group strategic think tank and supporter of new ventures in high-technology enterprises.

After retirement, Tata was given the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals.

Tata was the current chairman of the Tata Trusts, which included the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts, as well as the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts.

Under his guidance and leadership, these Trusts grew from reactive charities to India’s leading philanthropic foundations, working to improve the lives of millions of people through meaningful partnerships with like-minded non-profit organizations, communities, governments, corporations, and foreign funding organizations.

In 2008, the Indian government presented Tata with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award. He has also earned numerous prizes, honours, and honorary doctorates from various Indian and international universities, among other distinctions.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters, including Simone Tata, Jimmy Tata, Noel Tata, Aloo Tata, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Deanne Jejeebhoy, Leah Tata, Maya Tata, Neville Tata, Manasi Tata, Jamset Tata, Tiana Tata, and others, according to a family statement.