×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Tatas to take lead in all biz, not trail: Chandrasekaran

Set to leverage group's overall strength
Last Updated 21 February 2017, 16:40 IST

 ‘Marathon Man’ Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who formally took over as the Chairman of Tata Sons on Tuesday, said that the over $100-billion salt-to-software conglomerate, would look to lead in all businesses, and not follow others.

Speaking ahead of the board meeting of the holding company, Chandrasekaran said, “In my new role, I will focus on three strategic priorities: bring the group closer together to leverage its enormous collective strength; reinforce a leader’s mindset among the operating companies and drive world-class operating performances across the group; bring greater rigour to our capital allocation policies and deliver superior returns to our shareholders.”

Chandra, 53, as he is popularly known, who took over from Ratan Tata, 78, the Chairman Emeritus, is the first non-Parsi head of the company.

Chandra joined the company in 1987 after completing Masters in Computer Applications from Regional Engineering College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. He was holding the position of CEO and MD of TCS since 2009. Chandrasekaran was appointed as a director on the board of Tata Sons on October 25, 2016. He was appointed as Tata Sons Chairman on January 12.

The appointment was necessitated following the October 24, 2016, ouster of Cyrus Mistry from the top post after which, Tata assumed the role of Interim Chairman.

“The group is in the hearts and minds of people in India and globally. We will work together to drive discipline on capital allocation and shareholder returns. This company has always shown tremendous spirit in terms of pioneering and leadership. I look forward to the appointment and seek your support,” Chandrasekaran said.

“We will work together to deliver business performance, which is industry-leading in all our businesses, and lead, and not follow,” Chandrasekaran added.

Before arriving at the Bombay House, the headquarters of Tata Group in Fort area here, Chandra went to a school in Worli to vote for electing the new Mumbai civic body. Following the brief chat with the media, Chandrasekaran headed to chair the Tata Sons board meet.

 “I look forward to working with my colleagues, the management teams and the boards of the companies towards achieving these goals,” Chandrasekaran added.

 Chandrasekaran’s inaugural board meeting as chairman of Tata Sons follows his appointment as chairman of group operating companies including Tata Power, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Consultancy Services.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 21 February 2017, 16:40 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT