From trainee to Tata chairman: Remarkable rise of Ratan Tata’s pick N Chandrasekaran
Popularly known as Chandra in corporate circles, he became the first non-Parsi chairman in the Tata Group's 150-year history and was personally chosen for the role by the late Ratan Tata. The Tata Group expanded significantly under his leadership. According to company figures, aggregate revenue increased from Rs 7.89 lakh crore in FY20 to Rs 16.24 lakh crore in FY26.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, a trainee programmer who rose to become the Tata Group's chairman, announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his role at Tata Sons after his current term ends in February 2027. Over his nearly decade-long tenure, Chandrasekaran transformed the conglomerate from its humble beginnings in salt to a diverse portfolio spanning aviation, semiconductors, electronics, digital platforms and electric vehicles.
His strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Air India and the acquisition of electric vehicle maker Zeolit, contributed to a significant increase in the group's revenue and market capitalization. Chandrasekaran, the first non-Parsi chairman in the Tata Group's 150-year history, was personally selected by the late Ratan Tata for his leadership role.
Facing challenges such as the succession crisis following Cyrus Mistry's removal and the legal dispute with Mistry, Chandrasekaran led the group through a period of transformation and growth, securing several major strategic moves and receiving numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Légion d'Honneur.
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