N. Chandrasekaran:A Tech Leader Who Transformed the Tata Group

N. Chandrasekaran’s decision not to seek reappointment as Tata Sons chairman marks the end of a remarkable four-decade association with the Tata Group. Born in 1963 into an agricultural family in Mohanur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrasekaran studied in a government school before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences and later a Master’s in Computer Applications. He joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as an intern in 1987 and steadily rose through the ranks. He became TCS COO and a board member in 2007, and took over as CEO and MD in 2009 at the age of 46. Under his leadership, TCS expanded significantly, crossing the $20-billion annual revenue milestone and strengthening its position as one of India’s most valuable technology companies.

Chandrasekaran joined the Tata Sons board in 2016 and became chairman in 2017, becoming the first person from outside the Tata family and the first non-Parsi to hold the position. He was reappointed for a second term in 2022. During his tenure, the Tata Group expanded into semiconductors, electronics, digital platforms and other new businesses, while his most prominent achievements included bringing Air India back into the Tata fold and subsequently integrating Air India with Vistara. He also remained closely associated with the late Ratan Tata. Chandrasekaran has now decided not to seek another term after his current tenure ends on February 20, 2027, citing the need for clarity on leadership succession.