Shantanu Naidu had an extraordinary bond with the late billionaire industrialist Ratan Tata, bridging generational gaps and blending boomer and millennial perspectives. From starting as an engineering intern to becoming Tata’s trusted General Manager, Naidu's journey reflects his dedication and innovative approach. Ratan Tata, the 86-year-old chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away late Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 7, 2024, due to age-related health issues and complications with his blood pressure.
Shantanu Naidu, according to his LinkedIn profile, serves as the general manager of Ratan Tata's office at the Tata Group. He began working with Ratan Tata in May of last year when he was around 29 years old.
Shantanu Naidu also owns a business called Goodfellows, which provides comprehensive support to the elderly in their later years. His company reportedly has a net worth of Rs 5 crore.
How Ratan Tata Met Shantanu Naidu
While running his NGO to provide food for stray dogs, Shantanu Naidu caught the attention of Ratan Tata. Impressed by his work, Ratan Tata hired him as his general manager and invested in his project to support stray dogs.
Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Naval Tata was an Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and the former chairman of Tata Sons. He led the Tata Group from 1990 to 2012, serving as interim chairman from October 2016 to February 2017.
He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Cornell University and succeeded JRD Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon JRD's retirement in 1991.
In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2008, following the Padma Bhushan in 2000.