N Chandrasekaran quits as Tata Sons chairman. A look at his journey

Chandrasekaran has spent 40 years of his professional life with the Tata Group, starting his journey with TCS in 1987.

In Short

• N Chandrasekaran resigns as Tata Sons chairman after nearly 10 years
• Led TCS to global IT brand status and chaired Nasscom in 2012-13
• His exit follows failed reappointment amid tensions with Tata Trusts

N Chandrasekaran’s resignation as Tata Sons chairman marks the end of a nearly decade-long stint at the top of the Tata Group. A Tata veteran who spent four decades with the group, Chandrasekaran rose from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to lead one of India’s biggest business groups.

FROM TCS TO TATA SONS

Chandrasekaran joined TCS in 1987 after completing his Master of Computer Applications from Regional Engineering College in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

He went on to become CEO and Managing Director of TCS in 2009. During his leadership, TCS was rated the world’s most powerful IT services brand in 2015 and was recognised as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute across 24 countries.

Known for his focus on technology and willingness to make big bets, Chandrasekaran helped TCS strengthen its position in the growing digital economy. The company also developed digital products and platforms that later grew into sizeable businesses.

Chandrasekaran also served as chairman of Nasscom, the apex trade body for India’s IT services companies, in 2012-13. He continues to be a member of its governing executive council.

TAKING CHARGE AT TATA SONS

Chandrasekaran’s rise within the Tata Group continued when he was appointed to the Tata Sons board in October 2016. In February 2017, Tata Power announced his appointment as chairman and additional director, effective February 11, 2017.

He also took charge as chairman of Tata Sons in 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry.

Under Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons remained at the centre of a group that spans more than 30 companies, including TCS, Tata Motors and Air India.

FOUR DECADES WITH TATA GROUP

Chandrasekaran has spent 40 years of his professional life with the Tata Group, starting his journey with TCS in 1987.

Reflecting on his career, he said that leading Tata Sons for nearly a decade had been both an honour and a responsibility. “I have completed 40 years of professional life at the Tata Group. I am grateful for the immensely satisfying opportunity to contribute to this venerable institution,” he said in a statement.

He also thanked Tata Group stakeholders for their support during his tenure.

EXIT AFTER REAPPOINTMENT DISPUTE

Chandrasekaran’s exit comes after his reappointment failed to receive board approval, amid growing tensions with Tata Trusts.

Tata Sons is the principal holding company of the $400-billion Tata Group, while Tata Trusts owns 66% of the company. The two sides had differed over several issues, including board representation, business strategy, losses at Air India and the proposed exit of a minority shareholder.

Chandrasekaran’s resignation on Wednesday brings his nearly decade-long tenure as Tata Sons chairman to an end.

- Ends