Simone Tata Passes Away at 95 After Illness
Simone Tata passes away at the age of 95, marking the end of an era for India’s beauty and retail sectors. The influential business leader died early Friday in Mumbai. She had been recovering from an illness and was brought to Breach Candy Hospital in August after initial treatment at King’s Hospital in Dubai.
Simone Tata is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah. She was the stepmother of Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group. Her death has led to widespread tributes across business circles. Moreover, many leaders praised her vision and the legacy she built over six decades.
Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, she first came to India in 1953 as a tourist. However, her journey changed two years later when she married Naval H. Tata in 1955. That union set the stage for her long and influential role in the Tata Group. Her entry into the business world began in the early 1960s, and her impact soon became visible across India’s consumer landscape.
Lakmé’s Growth Under Simone Tata
Her formal engagement with the group began in 1961 when she joined the Lakmé board. At the time, the brand was a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company. Its portfolio included personal care names such as Hamam and Okay. Moreover, India lacked homegrown cosmetics tailored for Indian women. She saw a major opportunity and championed a bold vision for Lakmé.
Simone Tata pushed for products that addressed local beauty needs. Under her guidance, Lakmé grew rapidly. By 1982, she became chairperson. Her leadership helped Lakmé become one of India’s most recognised beauty brands. Many people began calling her the “Cosmetic Czarina of India.” She shaped not only a company but also the beauty habits of an entire generation.
The 1990s brought major shifts. India opened its markets after liberalisation. Consequently, Lakmé sought new partnerships to stay competitive. In 1996, Lakmé Ltd and Hindustan Unilever formed a 50:50 joint venture called Lakmé Unilever Ltd. The brand gained wider distribution, while HUL added a trusted Indian name to its portfolio. However, two years later, Lakmé sold its brands to HUL. It also exited the joint venture by selling its 50 percent stake for ₹200 crore.
From Cosmetics to Retail: The Birth of Trent
After the exit from cosmetics, Simone Tata led a major shift in strategy. Lakmé turned toward retail and saw a gap in the market for Indian apparel brands. This change set the foundation for Trent Ltd, which now runs popular chains such as Westside and Zudio.
In March 1998, Lakmé acquired Littlewoods International India. The company specialised in ready-to-wear garments and lifestyle products. Soon after, Lakmé merged with Trent. The restructured company was then renamed Trent Ltd. This move proved transformative for the Tata Group’s retail ambitions. It also marked Simone Tata’s second major legacy after Lakmé.
Trent flourished under her leadership. Moreover, her strategic decisions helped it become one of India’s most successful retail companies. Today, Trent continues to expand across cities and reaches millions of consumers. Many leaders credit her for identifying early shifts in India’s modern retail landscape.
Her influence extended beyond business. She inspired many women in leadership and created opportunities for local brands. Her legacy stands tall in India’s consumer industry.