When Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed Chairman of Tata Group in 2017, just three months after the sudden removal of Cyrus Mistry, it surprised many. The surprise wasn’t just because of the timing, but because Chandrasekaran neither belonged to the Tata family nor was he a Parsi, which was previously seen as a significant factor in leadership decisions at Tata. Despite this, Chandrasekaran’s appointment was largely due to his impressive leadership qualities and strong relationship with Ratan Tata.
Humble Beginnings in a Farmer’s Family
Born in 1963 in the small village of Mohanur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrasekaran’s journey to the top is truly remarkable. Raised in a humble farmer’s household, his interest in technology, particularly computer programming, emerged early. He attended government schools before pursuing a B.Tech at Coimbatore Institute of Technology. He furthered his education with a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from Regional Engineering College in Tiruchirappalli, setting the stage for his future in the tech industry.
From Intern to CEO
Chandrasekaran’s professional journey began in 1987, when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an intern. Over the next two decades, his dedication and sharp business acumen propelled him up the corporate ladder. In September 2007, he was appointed to the TCS board and became the Chief Operating Officer (COO). His relentless work ethic led to his appointment as CEO in 2009 at the age of 46, making him one of the youngest CEOs in the Tata Group. His colleagues often joked that “TCS” stood for “Take Chandra Seriously,” a testament to his focused and determined leadership style.
Transforming the Group
Under Chandrasekaran’s leadership, the Tata Group has seen substantial growth. In 2022, the group reported a net profit of ₹64,267 crore, up from ₹36,728 crore in 2017 when he first took over. Over five years, the group’s revenue surged from ₹6.37 lakh crore to ₹9.44 lakh crore. Chandrasekaran’s vision for expansion and modernization, combined with his tech-driven approach, has been a key factor in the group’s continued success across multiple industries.
Why Ratan Tata Chose Chandrasekaran
Ratan Tata’s decision to appoint Chandrasekaran as his successor was driven by more than just his impressive business achievements. Chandrasekaran had worked closely with Ratan Tata during his tenure at TCS, helping the company grow into one of the largest IT firms globally. His leadership qualities, integrity, and ability to navigate complex challenges made him the ideal candidate to lead Tata Group into the future.
A Legacy in the Making
Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s rise from a farmer’s son to Chairman of Tata Group is not just a story of individual success but also a reflection of Tata’s meritocratic values. His journey continues to inspire millions, proving that with determination, hard work, and visionary leadership, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. Under his guidance, Tata Group is poised for even greater success, cementing his legacy in the world of business.
