Natarajan Chandrasekaran

Early Life and Background

Natarajan Chandrasekaran was born on June 2, 1963, in Mohanur, a small village located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India. He hails from a farmer's family, an upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. His early life was characterized by a focus on education and academic excellence, laying the groundwork for his future success in the technology and business sectors. He grew up in a traditional Indian household, where values of diligence, integrity, and community were highly emphasized. These formative years in rural India provided him with a unique perspective, blending traditional values with a keen understanding of the potential of modern technology and global business.

Education

Chandrasekaran's academic journey began with his foundational schooling in his native Tamil Nadu. He pursued his Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree from the Coimbatore Institute of Technology, an institution renowned for its strong engineering and technology programs. Following this, he earned a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from the Regional Engineering College (now known as the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli), completing his postgraduate studies in 1986. His education in computer applications was particularly prescient, aligning perfectly with the burgeoning information technology sector that would soon transform the global economy. This robust academic background in technology provided him with the deep technical understanding that proved invaluable throughout his career, especially during his tenure at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Career

Natarajan Chandrasekaran's illustrious career with the Tata Group began in 1987 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as a software engineer. Over the next three decades, he steadily ascended through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and a profound understanding of the global IT landscape. He held various critical positions, including Global Head of Sales and Chief Operating Officer (COO), before being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of TCS in 2009. Under his eight-year leadership as CEO, TCS experienced phenomenal growth, with revenues tripling from $6.3 billion to $18 billion and its market capitalization increasing by over $50 billion. He transformed TCS into one of the world's largest and most profitable IT services companies, expanding its global footprint and strengthening its position in digital transformation services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. His tenure was marked by a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, employee development, and innovation, which propelled TCS to become a global IT powerhouse. On February 21, 2017, he was appointed as the Chairman of Tata Sons, the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata Group companies, becoming the first non-Parsi chairman in 50 years. In this pivotal role, he oversees the entire Tata Group, which encompasses more than 100 operating companies across diverse sectors such as technology, automotive, steel, consumer products, infrastructure, and hospitality. He also chairs the boards of several major Tata operating companies, including Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Power, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels Company, Tata Consumer Products, and Tata Communications. His strategic vision for the Tata Group includes a strong emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and fostering innovation across all businesses. He has initiated significant consolidation and restructuring efforts within the conglomerate, aiming to streamline operations and enhance synergies among its vast portfolio of companies. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the Tata Group through complex global economic conditions and positioning it for future growth.

Major Achievements

Chandrasekaran's career is replete with significant achievements. As CEO of TCS, he was instrumental in transforming the company into a global IT leader, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth in revenue, profit, and market capitalization. He was a key architect of TCS's aggressive expansion into new markets and service lines, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner for digital transformation worldwide. His leadership at TCS earned him numerous accolades and established him as one of India's most respected business leaders. Upon assuming the chairmanship of Tata Sons, he embarked on a mission to simplify and synergize the vast Tata Group. He has been a vocal proponent of 'One Tata' philosophy, fostering greater collaboration and shared vision among the diverse operating companies. He spearheaded the launch of Tata Digital and the super-app 'Tata Neu,' aiming to create an integrated digital ecosystem for consumers. His strategic decisions have included significant capital allocation and portfolio adjustments, such as the successful divestment of Tata Steel's European long products business and strategic investments in new-age technologies. Furthermore, his influence extends to the global stage, where Tata Group companies under his stewardship have expanded their operations, including significant investments and business activities across various African nations, contributing to economic development and job creation in sectors ranging from automotive and chemicals to hospitality and telecommunications. He has also served on the board of the Reserve Bank of India, contributing to the nation's financial policy. In 2022, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, recognizing his distinguished service of a high order in the field of trade and industry.

Personal Life

Natarajan Chandrasekaran is married to Lalitha Chandrasekaran. The couple has one son, Pranav Chandrasekaran. Despite his demanding professional life, Chandrasekaran is known for his dedication to his family. He is also an avid marathon runner, a passion he attributes to maintaining discipline, focus, and physical and mental well-being. He has successfully completed numerous marathons around the world, including the Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Mumbai marathons. This commitment to running reflects his broader philosophy of perseverance and continuous improvement, qualities that are evident in his professional achievements. He is also known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to leadership.

Legacy

Natarajan Chandrasekaran's legacy is multifaceted. At TCS, he is remembered for orchestrating a period of transformative growth, establishing the company as a global leader in IT services and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and innovation within the Indian IT industry. As Chairman of Tata Sons, his legacy is still being actively shaped, but he is already recognized for his bold vision to modernize and future-proof the venerable Tata Group. He is driving a significant digital transformation agenda, aiming to leverage technology across all Tata businesses to create new value propositions and enhance customer experiences. His emphasis on sustainability and ethical business practices continues the Tata Group's long-standing tradition of corporate social responsibility. His leadership style, characterized by strategic foresight, humility, and an unwavering commitment to values, serves as an inspiration for aspiring business leaders globally. Through Tata Group's extensive global operations, including its substantial presence and investments in African economies, Chandrasekaran indirectly contributes to the continent's development, fostering trade, technology transfer, and employment opportunities, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the global business landscape, including Africa's economic trajectory.