Tata Group veteran RK Krishnakumar dies; Ratan Tata pays tribute
Jan 02, 2023, 08:00 pm
Former Tata Sons director RK Krishnakumar died on account of cardiac arrest in Mumbai on Sunday. He was 84.
Over six many years, he held a number of positions at varied Tata Group firms. Despite retiring from government roles a number of years in the past, he was concerned in Tata Trusts’ actions.
Ratan Tata—Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and Tata Group—paid tribute to Krishnakumar, describing him as a “true veteran.”
Survived by spouse, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter
Krishnakumar complained of discomfort after a bathe on Sunday night, as per The Times of India.
His physician Pravin Amin was instantly referred to as, however he died earlier than the previous may arrive.
Krishnakumar is survived by his spouse Ratna, son Ajit, daughter-in-law Joey, and granddaughter Arya.
Ajit was reportedly away along with his household in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on the time of Krishnakumar’s demise.
From entry-level worker, KK rose to prime posts
Krishnakumar, popularly referred to as KK, was related to the Tata Group for practically 60 years after becoming a member of Tata Industries in 1963. Subsequently, he served in several Tata entities.
In 1982, he turned a part of Tata Consumer Products’ senior administration crew.
During the 1997 Assam disaster, he turned a member of Tata’s inside circle when a number of Tata Group workers have been held hostage by Ulfa terrorists.
Padma Shri awardee Krishnakumar was Tata’s shut confidant
Kerala-born Krishnakumar was thought-about an in depth confidante of Ratan Tata.
He served in prime posts at a number of Tata Group firms, together with heading its hospitality arm Indian Hotels and Tata Global Beverages, and was a part of the crew that labored alongside Tata.
After retiring from government roles, he continued as a Tata Trusts trustee.
Krishnakumar was awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honor Padma Shri in 2009.
Played very important function in acquisition of Tetley
Krishnakumar served because the managing director of Tata Global Beverages (now Tata Consumer Products) from 1991-98.
According to TOI, KK additionally performed a vital function in Tata Global Beverages’ £271 million acquisition of Tetley in 2000.
It propelled the corporate to the second place among the many world’s tea producers and gave a lift to Tata Group and India Inc. within the world area.
Fondly bear in mind camaraderie we shared: Tata’s tribute
Tata took to Twitter to pay tribute to KK. “Words cannot describe the deep sense of loss I feel on the passing of my friend and colleague,” the 85-year-old industrialist tweeted.
Tata stated they shared nice camaraderie inside Tata Group and personally, too, which he’ll at all times fondly bear in mind.
“He was a true veteran of the Tatas and will be missed dearly by all.”
Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata’s tweet
Words can’t describe the deep sense of loss I really feel on the passing of my buddy and colleague Mr. R. Ok. Krishnakumar. I’ll at all times fondly bear in mind the camaraderie we shared each throughout the group and personally. He was a real veteran of the Tatas and will probably be missed dearly by all.
— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) January 2, 2023
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran additionally paid respects
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran additionally paid respects to Krishnakumar. “I had the good fortune of knowing him and what stood out was his deep sense of compassion as a human being. He always wanted to help the less privileged and positively impact their lives.”
