Ratan Tata, an iconic figure in the business world, known for his leadership at Tata Group, has an indispensable right-hand man steering the conglomerate’s colossal success. Meet N Chandrasekaran, the current Chairman of Tata Sons, the principal holding company of Tata Group, with an estimated valuation of Rs 11 lakh crore, according to the Times of India.
Chandrasekaran’s Journey to the Pinnacle:
N Chandrasekaran, affectionately known as Natarajan, assumed the role of Chairman of Tata Sons, a position critical to the conglomerate’s diverse business operations. Before this, he served as the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the global IT solution and consulting firm, from 2009 to 2017.
Under his stewardship, TCS achieved remarkable milestones, with a total revenue of $16.5 billion (approximately Rs 1.36 lakh crore) in FY 2015-2016, solidifying its position as India’s most valuable private sector employer.
Educational Background and Early Career:
Natarajan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sciences from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, and a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications (MCA) from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. His illustrious career at TCS commenced in 1987, where he started as an intern, eventually ascending to the pinnacle of leadership.
Transformative Leadership at Tata Sons:
Since taking over as Chairman of Tata Sons, N Chandrasekaran has been a driving force behind the conglomerate’s transformation towards digital innovation, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The group’s strategic expansion into new ventures, including electronics manufacturing, consumer internet platforms, and mobile technology for 5G in India, reflects Chandrasekaran’s visionary leadership.
Financial Success and Recent Acquisitions:
The valuation of Tata Sons at a staggering Rs 11 lakh crore is a testament to Chandrasekaran’s strategic acumen. Under his guidance, the group recently acquired Air India, a move signaling Tata Group’s future direction in the competitive business landscape.
Chandrasekaran’s Financial Impact:
N Chandrasekaran’s financial influence is evident in his annual salary package, which reached a substantial Rs 109 crore for the fiscal year 2021-2022, making him the highest-paid business executive in India. This substantial increase compared to his reported annual package of Rs 65 crore in 2019 underscores his significant contributions to the success of Tata Group.
Personal Life and Achievements:
Beyond the boardroom, the 60-year-old businessman resides in Mumbai with his wife, Lalitha Chandrasekaran, and son, Pranav. His 2022 purchase of a 6000 square ft duplex in Mumbai’s upscale area, Pedder Road, for Rs 98 crore, coincided with Tata Sons reappointing him as Chairman for another five years, ending February 20, 2027. In addition to his corporate endeavours, Chandrasekaran is an author, having written “Bridgital Nation,” an avid photographer, and a dedicated marathon runner.
In the illustrious legacy of Tata Group, N Chandrasekaran’s role as Ratan Tata’s right-hand man continues to shape the conglomerate’s future, marking him as a key architect of its success.
