Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. In 2017, when Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed as chairman of Tata Sons, the decision surprised many. Unlike the previous chairmen, Chandrasekaran was neither a member of the Tata family nor a Parsi. Historically, Tata Group had been chaired by individuals closely tied to the family, including Cyrus Mistry, who was a Parsi and had family connections with the Tatas. The Mistry family and the Tata family had strong ties, with Cyrus’s sister married to Noel Tata, Ratan Tata’s half-brother. Chandrasekaran’s selection was seen as a result of his proven leadership at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), his close working relationship with Ratan Tata, and his ability to steer the group forward. Before becoming chairman of Tata Sons, Chandrasekaran served as CEO and Managing Director of TCS, the largest software services company in India, where he gained a reputation as Ratan Tata’s "right hand."

Early Life and Education

Natarajan Chandrasekaran was born in 1963 in Mohanur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, into a modest farmer family. His interest in computer programming began early, and after completing his schooling, he pursued a degree in engineering at the Coimbatore Institute of Technology. He later obtained a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from the Regional Engineering College in Tiruchirapalli (now NIT Trichy), which laid the foundation for his career in the tech industry. Chandrasekaran’s rise from a humble background to the top of India’s most prestigious conglomerate is a testament to his hard work, determination, and leadership capabilities.

Career at TCS

Chandrasekaran began his career at TCS as an intern in 1987. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2007 and CEO in 2009. He became the youngest CEO of TCS at age 46. Under his leadership, TCS expanded its global reach and experienced significant growth. His colleagues often joked that TCS stood for "Tech Chandra Seriously," reflecting his dedication and leadership style.

Leadership at Tata Sons

In January 2017, Chandrasekaran was appointed as the chairman of Tata Sons. His leadership has been marked by strong financial performance. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group saw a sharp rise in profits, from ₹36,728 crore in 2017 to ₹64,267 crore in 2022. During his tenure, the revenue of the group increased from ₹6.37 lakh crore to ₹9.44 lakh crore. This growth was driven by the performance of various Tata companies, including TCS, Tata Motors, and Tata Steel. Chandrasekaran’s leadership style is characterized by discipline, strategic thinking, and an ability to lead complex global businesses. His contributions to the Tata Group have earned him accolades, and he has been one of the highest-paid executives in India, with a package of ₹109 crore in 2021-22.

Personal Life and Interests

Chandrasekaran is married to Lalita, and they have a son named Pranav. Despite his demanding schedule, he is an avid runner and has participated in marathons across cities like New York, Boston, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. His passion for running began in 2007, and he continues to compete in marathon races worldwide.