Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata served as Chairman of Tata Group from 1991 to 2012 (and briefly again in 2016-2017), overseeing its transformation from a traditional Indian industrial conglomerate into a globally diversified business. The landmark acquisitions under his leadership included Tetley Tea (UK, 2000), Corus Steel (UK/Netherlands, 2007), and Jaguar Land Rover (UK, 2008) — the latter acquired from Ford during the financial crisis at what proved to be an opportunistic price. These acquisitions were controversial at the time but demonstrated that Indian companies could successfully acquire and manage iconic Western brands. Tata Group spans automotive, steel, software (TCS), hospitality, and dozens of other sectors. Ratan Tata also became known for his personal angel investments in numerous Indian startups.