Tata Group Chairman Noel Tata’s mother, Ratan Tata’s stepmother Simone Tata passes away at 95
Simone Tata, mother of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and stepmother of the late Ratan Tata, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 95 after a short illness. A pioneer in business and philanthropy, he transformed Lakmé into a leading cosmetics brand and helped launch the Westside retail chain.
Simone Tata, mother of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and stepmother of the late Ratan Tata, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Friday morning after a short illness. According to the statement made by the Tata Group, he was 95 years old. The last rites will be performed at the Holy Name Church Cathedral in Colaba on Saturday morning.
Founder of Lakmé
A pioneer in India’s business world, Simone Tata played a key role in transforming Lakmé into India’s leading cosmetics brand and establishing the Westside retail chain, laying the foundation for organized fashion retailing in the country. Beyond his business successes, he has been active in philanthropic initiatives and supported institutions such as the Sir Ratan Tata Institute.
Tribute to Tata Group
A Tata Group spokesman said: ‘With his positivity and deep determination, he overcame many challenges in his life, touching many of us deeply. He will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to business and philanthropy. ‘May his soul rest in peace and may God give us the strength to overcome this loss.’
Simone Tata is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah.
Early Life and Career
Simone Naval Dunoyer was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He first visited India as a tourist in 1953. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata and began her lifelong relationship with the Tata Group.
His professional journey began in the early 1960s, when he joined the board of directors of Lakmé in 1961; He joined the board of Lakmé, which was then a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO) and was known for personal care products such as Hammam, OK and Modi Soaps. His leadership and vision over the decades helped Lakmé become a household name and symbol of modern Indian cosmetics.
Simone Tata’s legacy is remembered not only for her contributions to business and retail, but also for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and social causes. He left a lasting impact on both corporate and philanthropic fields in India.
