Meet N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Group who once interned at TCS, now owns a Rs 9.8 crore home near Antilia in Mukesh Ambani; knowing his connection with Ratan Tata, salary and…
Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s career at Tata Group began in 1987 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an intern. His dedication, strategic insights and leadership have promoted his rapid growth within the company. By 2007, he had become Chief Operating Officer.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, has an inspiring story that moves from a simple background to leading India’s largest business empire. Chandrasekaran, once the main partner of the iconic Ratan Tata, took over after Tata retired. His story begins with a small agricultural family in Tamil Nadu and eventually brings him to one of the most respected entrepreneurs in the world.
Through firm determination and innovative thinking, Chandrasekaran has grown into an influential business leader in the business world. Today, he leads a company worth $303.7 billion (Rs 303.7 billion) and lives in a luxurious duplex worth $11.47 million (Rs 98 crore), located near Antilia in Mukesh Ambani.
Who is n chandrasekaran?
N Chandrasekaran was born in 1963 in Mohanur village in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu and grew up in an agricultural family. He attended public schools before he received higher education. His academic achievement led him to the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbatore, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied science. Later, he obtained Computer Applications (MCA) from the Regional Engineering College of Tiruchirappalli (now Nit Trichy).
n Chandrasekaran’s journey from Inter in TCS to Tata Group Chariman
Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s career at Tata Group began in 1987 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an intern. His dedication, strategic insights and leadership have promoted his rapid growth within the company. By 2007, he had become Chief Operating Officer (COO), making a significant contribution to the company’s expansion.
In 2009, Chandrasekaran, 46, was named CEO of TCS, labeling him as one of the youngest CEOs of the Tata Group. His success in leading TCS to new achievements led to his appointment of the 2016 Tata Son’s board of directors. In 2017, he was elected to replace Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata’s son, becoming the first outside the Tata family to take on this respectable role.
n Chandrasekaran and Ratan Tata’s connection
Chandrasekaran has a strong professional and personal relationship with Ratan Tata, who considers him a trusted consultant and an outstanding leader. When Tata decided to resign, he personally chose Chandrasekaran as his successor, with confidence in his ability to lead the Tata group.
At the ET Awards ceremony, Chandrasekaran shared his experience with Ratan Tata, emphasizing his humility and generosity. He tells the story of Tata who always greets him in person despite being a well-known business leader, even if he feels uncomfortable.
He said, “I told him, ‘Sir, you don’t have to do that.’ But he insisted it was his courtesy.
n Chandrasekaran’s salary
In the corporate world, executive compensation often triggers conversations, and for N Chandrasekaran, his salary reflects the huge responsibility he assumes. In 2019, his salary was 6.5 billion rupees and by 2021-2022, it soared to 10,099 crore, making him the highest-paid business head in India.
However, it doesn’t stop there. In fiscal 24, his total pay rate increased by 20%, making it attractive for Rs 13.53 crore. The amount includes a significant commission on Tata Sons’ profit, totaling Rs 12.15 crore, as well as his salary and other priority. As the Indian company landscape gradually recovers, executive compensation has become a topic of focus, and N Chandrasekaran’s compensation package proves his valuable contribution to Tata’s son and the wider business world.
n Chandrasekaran’s impact on Tata Group
N Chandrasekaran not only met Ratan Tata’s expectations, but also promoted new achievements in the Tata Group. The main highlight of his leadership is the historic recalculation of Air India in 2022. The airline was originally established by JRD Tata in 1932 and was brought back to the Tata Group under the guidance of Chandrasekaran.
In addition to the major acquisitions, he is also shaping the future of Tata’s son, emphasizing that digital transformation and sustainability are crucial. He led the company’s advancements in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and renewable energy, ensuring Tata remains a leader in innovation. In fiscal 2024, Tata’s son received a record $5.6 billion (Rs 76 lakh) under his leadership, with a profit of $5.7 billion (Rs 49,000 crore), a 47% increase from the previous year.
