Don't worry about leadership change, says Ratan Tata

He wants Tata entities to focus on biz

In a clear message to the top brass of all Tata Group companies, Tata Sons interim Chairman Ratan Tata said that they should look at competing against their peers rather than looking at past performances of their respective companies.

A day after the Tata Sons’ board ousted Cyrus Mistry, 48, as the Chairman, the 78-year-old Tata, got going at the Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, and asked the top brass — including MDs and CEOs — not to be concerned with changes in leadership.

"The companies must focus on their market position vis-à-vis competition, and not compare themselves to their own past. The drive must be on leadership rather than to follow,” Tata said, addressing managing directors and senior leaders of Tata companies.

He asked the leadership of the companies to focus on their respective businesses, without being concerned about change in leadership.

Referring to ongoing initiatives in the companies, Tata said, “We will evaluate and continue to undertake those that are required to. If there is any change, they will be discussed with you.”
Tata reiterated that he had assumed the role of the interim Chairman for stability and continuity so that there is no vacuum. “This will be for a short time. A new permanent leadership will be in place,” he emphasised.

Tata also said that he was looking forward to renew the old association with group members and requested the executives to work together in order to build the group together.

“I look forward to working with you as we have worked together in the past. An institution must exceed the people who lead it. I am proud of all of you, and let us continue to build the group together,” Tata said.