WITH A TURNOVER of $128 billion and multiple businesses, the Tata group is a behemoth. Despite being around for more than 150 years, the salt-to-software conglomerate—led by Tata veteran N. Chandrasekaran—is taking nimble steps towards capturing a slice of new-age businesses. With a capex outlay of $90 billion, the group is hoping to fire on many cylinders—such as Air India, Tata Neu, 5G and perhaps even fab manufacturing. The 59-year-old Tata Sons Chairman, who is Business Today’s Business Icon of the Year, talks about where the group is currently placed and what lies ahead. Edited excerpts:
You took charge in February 2017. What did you want to do with the group and its businesses then?
There is nothing more iconic [than] to have the opportunity to head this group and follow the likes of J.R.D. Tata or Ratan Tata. You are speaking of extraordinary men and when I say that, it’s not just about their business acumen. It is for who they are in terms of vision, integrity, care for society or care for India—there are just so many dimensions to them. From that point of view, it was a great moment but the important thing was to understand the job and [the] multifaceted responsibility that came with it. I am still growing into it and I don’t think I will [ever] fully grow into it. It is a journey and I consider myself fortunate to be here.
Moving to the business, I do have some thoughts. Our greatest assets are the Tata brand [and] the group’s value systems and in that background, I have to manage expectations. Everyone has a view on the group and how we should go about our businesses. If they have respect, admiration and affection, there is a right to express views too.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS