Natarajan Chandrasekaran, often called “Chandra,” is one of India’s most influential business leaders and the current Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the legendary Tata Group. Known for his strategic vision and humble beginnings, Chandrasekaran’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to the top of India’s largest conglomerate is nothing short of inspiring. His leadership style, focus on innovation, and commitment to values have made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate professionals alike.
| Tribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natarajan Chandrasekaran |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1963 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 62 years |
| Birthplace | Mohanur, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Current Position | Chairman, Tata Sons |
| Education | B.Sc. (Applied Sciences), Coimbatore Institute of Technology MCA, NIT Trichy |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Lalitha Chandrasekaran |
| Children | 1 son |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; estimated to be substantial due to high compensation |
| Annual Salary | ₹109 crore (2021–2022, Tata Sons Chairman) |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | Around 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hobbies | Marathon running, reading, healthy living |
| Social Media | LinkedIn @Natarajan Chandrasekaran |
| Notable Roles | Chairman, Tata Sons; Former CEO, TCS; Chairman, Tata Motors & Tata Global Beverages |
Early Life & Background
Birth and Family Roots
- Born: June 2, 1963
- Birthplace: Mohanur, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Family: Raised in a modest agricultural family, Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s father, S. Natarajan Iyer, was an advocate who later turned to farming.
Growing up in rural Tamil Nadu, Natarajan Chandrasekaran learned the values of discipline, humility, and hard work from his parents. Despite financial constraints, his family prioritized education, shaping his future success.
Education
- Attended government school in Mohanur.
- Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from Coimbatore Institute of Technology.
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli (now NIT Trichy).
Career Journey
Early Steps at TCS
Chandrasekaran’s professional journey began in 1987 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an intern. Natarajan Chandrasekaran passion for technology and relentless drive propelled him through the ranks.
Key Milestones
- 2007: Appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board Member at TCS.
- 2009: Became CEO of TCS at age 46, one of the youngest CEOs in Tata Group history.
- 2017: Appointed Chairman of Tata Sons, becoming the first non-Parsi and professional executive to lead the Tata Group.
Major Achievements
- Under his leadership, Tata Group’s consolidated profit soared from ₹36,728 crore in 2017 to ₹64,267 crore in 2022.
- Group revenues grew from ₹6.37 lakh crore to ₹9.44 lakh crore in five years.
- Oversaw Tata’s expansion into new sectors, digital transformation, and global markets.
- Led the business agenda during India’s G20 presidency as chair of G20 India.
Chandrasekaran is also recognized for his roles as Chairman of Tata Motors and Tata Global Beverages and for his contributions to industry bodies like NASSCOM.
Personal Life
Relationships and Family
- Married to Lalitha Chandrasekaran.
- The couple has a son.
- Natarajan Chandrasekaran is known for his simple lifestyle, valuing healthy eating and a grounded approach to living, despite his high-profile role.
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Around 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Unique Traits: Always seen with a warm smile, Natarajan Chandrasekaran is known for his approachable demeanor and understated style.
Net Worth & Income
- Estimated annual salary as Tata Sons Chairman (2021–2022): ₹109 crore, making him one of the highest-paid business executives in India.
- Net worth is not publicly disclosed but is substantial, given his compensation and leadership roles across Tata Group companies.
- No known brand endorsements, as his focus remains on corporate leadership and Tata’s legacy rather than personal branding.
Social Media Presence
Chandrasekaran maintains a low profile on social media, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He is occasionally featured in Tata Group’s official communications and industry forums but does not have active personal accounts on platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
Hobbies & Interests
- Passionate about running and has completed several marathons, including international events.
- Enjoys reading, especially on technology and leadership.
- Advocates for healthy living and simple habits, which he credits for his energy and focus.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and visionary leadership. From his humble beginnings in rural Tamil Nadu to leading the iconic Tata Group, Chandra’s story continues to inspire millions across India and the world.
- Global Recognition & Honors: Natarajan Chandrasekaran has received several prestigious international honors, including honorary doctorates from Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands and the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) from the UK, recognizing his outstanding contributions to business and international relations.
- Philanthropic Leadership: In 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the newly established Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), a philanthropic entity designed to operate independently from Tata Trusts. Under his leadership, the foundation is expected to focus on innovation in education, healthcare, technology research, and social entrepreneurship, furthering Ratan Tata’s legacy of nation-building and societal impact.
- Champion of Employee-Centric Culture:Natarajan Chandrasekaran believes that the success of Tata Sons is rooted in its unique ownership structure—66% of its equity is held by philanthropic trusts. He emphasizes building an ecosystem where employees are happy and committed, which he says directly leads to customer satisfaction and long-term business success.
- Driving Digital and Sustainability Transformation: As Tata Group Chairman, he has spearheaded the conglomerate’s push into new-age sectors like electronics manufacturing, 5G mobile technology, and consumer internet platforms. He is also credited with making sustainability and supply chain resilience central to Tata’s business strategy.
- Collaborations with Global Leaders: Chandrasekaran frequently engages with global changemakers. For example, he recently met with Bill Gates and Ratan Tata to discuss collaborative philanthropic initiatives in health, nutrition, and diagnostics, highlighting his role in forging international partnerships for social good.
- Active in Professional Societies: He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and an active member of the Computer Society of India and the British Computer Society, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the advancement of technology and professional excellence.
Relationship and Leadership Between Ratan Tata and Natarajan Chandrasekaran
1. Foundation of Their Relationship
- Ratan Tata and Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s relationship began on professional terms, rooted in mutual respect for each other’s capabilities and values. Chandrasekaran, who started as an intern at TCS and rose to CEO, was hand-picked by Ratan Tata in 2017 to become Chairman of Tata Sons, marking a significant transition as he became the first non-Parsi and professional executive to lead the Tata Group.
2. Mentorship and Personal Bond
- Over the years, their association evolved from a business-centric connection to a more personal bond. Chandrasekaran has shared that their conversations extended beyond corporate matters to interests like cars, hotels, and everyday life. He described Ratan Tata as “someone to be discovered over time and through experience,” highlighting the depth and warmth of their relationship.
3. Shared Leadership Values
- Both leaders are known for their focus on humanity, employee welfare, and ethical decision-making. Chandrasekaran often recounts Ratan Tata’s humility and kindness, such as personally welcoming and seeing him off, and always considering the well-being of employees and their families in corporate decisions.
- Chandrasekaran has stated that Ratan Tata’s leadership style was thoughtful, meticulous, and always centered on the human element, setting a standard he strives to uphold.
4. Transition of Leadership
- The leadership handover was marked by trust and continuity. Ratan Tata’s decision to appoint Chandrasekaran was a testament to his confidence in Chandra’s ability to steer the group forward during a turbulent time, following a major boardroom dispute. This transition reinforced Tata’s legacy of meritocracy and professionalism at the helm of the group.
5. Legacy and Influence
- Chandrasekaran has publicly credited Ratan Tata for shaping the Tata Group’s values and vision. He continues to honor Tata’s legacy by emphasizing employee-centric policies, innovation, and ethical business practices. Chandrasekaran’s tributes to Tata after his passing reflect deep admiration and a commitment to carrying forward his ideals.
In summary:
Ratan Tata and Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a relationship that grew from professional respect to personal camaraderie, united by a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, empathy, and the greater good. Tata’s mentorship and faith in Chandrasekaran have been pivotal in shaping the Tata Group’s continued success and enduring values
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Natarajan Chandrasekaran?
Natarajan Chandrasekaran is the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Group, one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates.
Where was Natarajan Chandrasekaran born?
Natarajan Chandrasekaran was born in Mohanur, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is his educational background?
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from Coimbatore Institute of Technology and a master’s in Computer Applications from NIT Trichy.
How did he start his career?
He began as an intern at TCS in 1987 and worked his way up to become CEO, then Chairman of Tata Sons.
What is his net worth?
While his exact net worth is not public, he is among the highest-paid executives in India, earning over ₹100 crore annually as Tata Sons Chairman.
Is he active on social media?
He is an avid marathon runner and enjoys reading and promoting healthy living.