Marriage and Family: She was born in Switzerland and married Naval H. Tata in 1955.
Simone Tata, a powerful figure in Indian business who was the mother of Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and the stepmother of the respected late industrialist Ratan Tata, has passed away. She died on Friday morning in Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital at the age of 95 after a short illness.
She will be remembered not only for her family connection to the famous Tata Group but also as a pioneering businesswoman who completely changed the cosmetics and fashion retail industries in India.
The Connection to the Tata Family
Simone Tata’s life became deeply intertwined with the powerful Tata family when she married Naval H. Tata in 1955.
- Stepmother to Ratan Tata: Naval H. Tata was the father of the late, iconic industrialist Ratan Tata, making Simone his stepmother.
- Mother to Noel Tata: Simone and Naval H. Tata had one son together, Noel Tata, who currently serves as the Chairman of Tata Trusts.
- Family Surviving Her: Simone is survived by her son, Noel Tata; her daughter-in-law, Aloo Mistry; and her grandchildren, Neville, Maya, and Leah.
The Tata Group released a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss, acknowledging her positive spirit and strength in overcoming challenges in her life.
Her Greatest Achievement: Creating the Iconic Brand Lakmé
Simone Tata’s legacy is defined by her incredible success in building one of India’s first major consumer brands.
- The Founder of Lakmé: Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she came to India as a tourist in 1953. She began working with the Tata Group shortly after her marriage.
- Starting Small: In 1961, Simone joined the board of Lakmé, which was then a small part of a larger company (Tata Oil Mills Company).
- The Cosmetic Czarina: Simone had a clear vision for the brand. She pushed for its growth, helping it move from a small part of the Tata Group to a giant in the cosmetics world. She was appointed as the Chairperson of Lakmé in 1982. She earned the nickname ‘Cosmetic Czarina of India’ for popularizing beauty products among Indian women and turning Lakmé into India’s leading cosmetic brand.
- Selling at the Peak: Under her guidance, the brand became a huge success. The Tata Group eventually sold its share in Lakmé to Hindustan Lever (now Hindustan Unilever) in the 1990s in a very successful business move. Shaping Modern Shopping with Westside
Her pioneering work didn’t stop with cosmetics. Simone Tata was also instrumental in starting the foundation for modern fashion shopping in India.
- The Birth of Westside: After the sale of Lakmé, Simone led the creation of Westside, a well-known retail chain of fashion and lifestyle stores. This laid the groundwork for how fashion is sold in modern Indian malls and stores today. Saying Goodbye
The Tata Group also highlighted her contribution to good causes, noting that she guided the work of several charitable organizations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. The final respects for Simone Tata will be held on Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba, Mumbai.
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