Simone Tata, the transformative leader of India’s business landscape and step-mother of Ratan Tata, passed away at the age of 95 in Mumbai. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, she was central to the growth of the beauty and retail sectors in India for over four decades.
Simone Tata Passes Away at 95: Key Facts on Founder of Trent and Visionary Behind Lakmé Brand
Career Highlights and Key Milestones
- Early Life & Family: She first visited India in 1953 as a tourist. She married Naval Tata in 1955 and settled in Mumbai.
- Building Lakmé: Simone joined Lakmé, the cosmetics brand established in 1952 (at the encouragement of PM Jawaharlal Nehru). She became its Chairperson in the early 1980s. Under her leadership, Lakmé grew into India’s leading cosmetics company before its sale in 1996 to Hindustan Unilever.
- Founding Trent: Using the proceeds from the Lakmé sale (1996), Simone Tata founded Trent Ltd.
- Retail Innovation: Trent subsequently launched Westside, which quickly became one of India’s most successful department store chains, helping modernize Indian retail. She served as Trent’s chairperson until 2006.
- Tata Group Role: She also held a significant position on the board of Tata Industries.
Legacy
Simone Tata is remembered for her strategic thinking, customer-centric branding, and her unique journey as a foreign-born leader who shaped two major Indian industries—beauty and organized retail.
Question & Answer
Q1. Simone Tata was known for her pivotal role in building which iconic Indian cosmetics brand?
A) HUL
B) Westside
C) Lakmé
D) Tata Trent
Answer: C) Lakmé
Q2. Which major Indian retail company did Simone Tata found using the proceeds from the sale of Lakmé in 1996?
A) Tata Motors
B) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
C) Trent Ltd.
D) Titan Company
Answer: C) Trent Ltd.
Q3. Simone Tata passed away at the age of 95, having been born in which European city?
A) London
B) Paris
C) Milan
D) Geneva
Answer: D) Geneva
Q4. Which well-known department store chain was launched under Simone Tata’s leadership at Trent Ltd.?
A) Pantaloons
B) Lifestyle
C) Westside
D) Shoppers Stop
Answer: C) Westside
Q5. Simone Tata took charge as the Chairperson of Lakmé in which decade?
A) 1960s
B) 1970s
C) Early 1980s
D) 1990s
Answer: C) Early 1980s
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