Ratan Tata is ‘shahenshah of industry leaders’, says author Thomas Mathew

In a world where corporate success is often measured by market share, profit margins, and shareholder returns, few leaders stand out for reshaping entire industries while fostering a deep commitment to ethics and societal impact.

Ratan Tata is one such icon in India’s business landscape, having transformed the Tata Group from a family-owned company into a global powerhouse. The chairman emeritus of the Tata Group died at the age of 86 on October 9.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Thomas Matthew, retired bureaucrat and biographer of Ratan Tata, shared his admiration for the business leader’s transformative vision and enduring legacy in Indian industry, likening him to legendary leaders like Jack Welch.

Welch, celebrated as one of the greatest CEOs of his time, took General Electric from a $27 billion company in 1981 to $130 billion by 2000, achieving remarkable growth of around 361%.

However, Matthew argues that Tata’s achievements are even more impressive. When Tata assumed the role of chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, the company’s turnover was approximately $5.4 billion.

By the time he retired in 2012, he had grown the conglomerate’s revenue to a staggering $100 billion, marking an extraordinary 1,700% growth.

“To me, Ratan Tata is the Shahenshah of industrial leaders,” Matthew asserts, underscoring how Tata’s visionary leadership, dedication, and focus on India’s advancement make him a standout figure not only in Indian business but also on the global stage.

Mathew’s book ‘Ratan Tata: A Life,’ was released recently. Mathew, a former IAS officer, has also worked with stalwarts like former president Pranab Mukherjee. He said he met Tata for the first time in 1994-1995.

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