Transforming TATA

How Chairman N. Chandrasekaran is revamping the $106 billion group into a future ready, tech enabled conglomerate

- NEVIN JOHN

Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s first major decision as Chairman, Tata Group, was rather symbolic of the changes in store. Three months after taking over on May 30, 2017, he asked architects to refurbish Bombay House, the iconic headquarters of the 152-year-old conglomerate. The heritage building on Homi Mody Street in Mumbai’s Fort area had never been altered since it was built in 1924, based on design of Scottish architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India. The building had cracks in the roof, limited natural light and was vulnerable to termites. Chandrasekaran, who started his career with TCS and contributed hugely to its growth over three decades, wanted to make Bombay House vibrant, incorporating his idea of ‘One Tata’.

Until then, group companies had been working in silos within the building — complete with separate board rooms, conference halls and pantries. Movement of top executives was restricted within their companies. Chandrasekaran changed the office structure and created common conference halls. He also got a Starbucks counter opened on the ground floor. The aim was to remove the psychological barriers to one-ness.