(February 20, 2025) For Natarajan Chandrasekaran, leadership is much like the marathons he passionately runs—demanding endurance, precision, and the ability to push through obstacles with a steady, long-term vision. Whether excelling in the one of world’s largest marathons, the TCS New York City Marathon or steering the Tata Group through complex global challenges, Chandrasekaran has mastered the art of triumphing.
His excellent leadership got recognized yet again as the United Kingdom bestowed upon him the 2025 Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), an honour reserved for foreign nationals who make an extraordinary impact. Chandrasekaran’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping UK-India business ties, while his influence spans continents, with France honouring him with the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2023. He has also received the Frans Banninck Cocq Medal from the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands in the past.
N Chandrasekaran
In India, Chandrasekaran’s leadership has been equally transformative. The Padma Bhushan, awarded in 2022, recognized his contributions to trade, industry, and technological advancement. Under his guidance, the Tata Group has spearheaded India’s semiconductor ambitions, expanded electric vehicle production, and positioned itself at the forefront of AI-driven industrial transformation. In his 2025 letter to employees, N. Chandrasekaran spoke about human well-being and social progress:
At the Tata Group, we believe progress holds little value if it doesn’t enhance human wellbeing. I’m particularly excited by two areas where economic opportunity and social progress converge: AI and manufacturing.
N. Chandrasekaran
Footprints in Europe
With Tata’s £1.25 billion investment in decarbonizing steel production in South Wales and the establishment of a cutting-edge battery gigafactory in Somerset, Chandrasekaran has played a crucial role in enhancing the UK-India ties. This recent initiative has positioned Tata at the forefront of the global shift to sustainable energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Beyond investments, Chandrasekaran has been a driving force in fostering stronger economic and technological partnerships between India and the UK. His engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and research institutions has ensured that Tata plays a central role in shaping the future of industries spanning AI, manufacturing, and clean energy. “I would like to express how proud we are at the Tata Group to maintain such a strong strategic relationship with the UK across the technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive sectors,” he remarked, while expressing gratitude for the Knighthood. With over 70,000 employees in the UK and iconic British brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley under its umbrella, The Tata Group has become a cornerstone of the UK economy.
Across the Channel, Tata’s presence in France is equally significant, with 10 group companies that operate in the country, driving growth across sectors such as IT, aerospace, and industrial services. Tata Consultancy Services, for instance, plays a vital role in France’s digital transformation, while partnerships with leading French corporations continue to expand Tata’s influence. The UK knighthood, the French Legion of Honour, and India’s Padma Bhushan collectively highlight a leader whose vision is not bound by borders. He is a business maverick who is redefining global business through strategy, and an unyielding commitment to the future.
Carrying forward Ratan Tata’s legacy
The UK Knighthood for Tata Sons Chairman, Chandrasekaran comes at a time of great change within the Tata Group. Reflecting on 2024, a year marked by both geopolitical turbulence and personal loss, Chandrasekaran wrote in his year-end letter to employees, “This was the year we lost Mr. Ratan Tata—a man whose personality, integrity, and strategic vision shaped our business for a generation. This Group has lost an irreplaceable role model and leader. And I have lost a cherished mentor and friend.”
Late Ratan Tata and N Chandrasekaran
Soon after Ratan Tata’s demise in October 2024, N. Chandrasekaran had paid a tribute in which he recounted how his relationship with him evolved over the years. Starting with professional engagements, their relationship gradually became more personal. Their discussions often revolved around automobiles, the hospitality industry, and business affairs, but Ratan Tata’s interests went well beyond these subjects as well.
When Mr Ratan Tata and my conversations turned to other matters—those of daily life, he would show how much he noticed and felt. His eye received everything clearly, as his mind perceived everything clearly.
N. Chandrasekaran
Journey from Tamil Nadu to the world
Born in 1963 in Mohanur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, Chandrasekaran grew up in a middle-class Tamil family that placed a strong emphasis on education and discipline. He used to walk three kilometers with his brothers to their Tamil medium government school. Chandrasekaran pursued a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences from Coimbatore Institute of Technology before earning his master’s in computer applications (MCA) from the Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli, now known as NIT Tiruchirappalli.
The business leader’s journey with Tata began in 1987 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as a young intern. From his early days in coding to leading billion-dollar deals, he rose through the ranks with an unshakable work ethic and visionary thinking. In 2009, he was appointed CEO of TCS, a role in which he transformed the company into a $100 billion IT services powerhouse, expanding its footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia. His leadership in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity positioned TCS as a global leader in the digital age.
N Chandrasekaran (right) with his brothers, N Srinivasan, Group finance director at Murugappa Group (centre), and N Ganapathy Subramaniam, COO of TCS
Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s appointment as chairman of Tata Sons in 2017 was a historic moment. For the first time in its 155-year history, the Tata Group was decided to be led by a non-Parsi, a professional executive who had risen purely through merit. Taking charge at a time of internal leadership turmoil and external business challenges, he brought stability, restored investor confidence, and redefined Tata’s strategic vision.
According to a report by Fortune, under N. Chandrasekaran’s leadership, ‘Tata Group’s consolidated profit surged from ₹36,728 crore in 2017 to ₹64,267 crore in 2022’ and has continued to grow since.
The Future: AI, manufacturing, and job creation
Chandrasekaran has made it clear that Tata’s next frontier lies in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and large-scale job creation. While addressing the Tata Group employees at the beginning of this year, he has spoken about the transformative power of AI, highlighting how it is no longer just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for scientific breakthroughs.
He highlighted his ambitious plan to create 500,000 manufacturing jobs in India over the next five years. The Tata Sons Chairman termed this period as “a new manufacturing golden age for India.” The business leader underlined how Tata’s investments in semiconductors, electric vehicles, battery production, solar energy, and other critical hardware align with India’s push to become a self-reliant manufacturing hub.
Global supply chains continue to shift in India’s favour.
N Chandrasekaran
N Chandrasekaran
Apart from jobs in manufacturing, the Tata Group also aims to introduce several job opportunities across retail, tech services, airlines, and hospitality, among other sectors, this year.
A marathon that never ends
For Chandrasekaran, success is not measured in quick wins but in sustained progress over time. His leadership, like his running, is built on patience, endurance, and strategic pacing.
As an avid marathon runner, he achieved his personal best at the TCS New York City Marathon in 2014, completing the race in 5 hours, 52 seconds. Beyond running, he has also undertaken the sacred Char Dham Yatra multiple times, demonstrating both physical endurance and spiritual dedication. Whether preparing for a marathon or making billion-dollar investment decisions, he approaches each challenge with the same philosophy—steady, focused, and never losing sight of the goal.
N Chandrasekaran during one of the marathons
Chandrasekaran’s recent awards and accolades like the UK Knighthood, France’s Legion of Honour, and the Padma Bhushan are significant milestones, but for him, the race is far from over. As he continues to steer the Tata Group into new realms of innovation and global influence, one thing is certain—he is built for the long run.
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