Meet Simone Tata: Stepmother Of Ratan Tata,The Power Behind Lakmé and Westside's Success

The Tata family is often associated with its high-profile members like Ratan Tata, but some lesser-known figures have played crucial roles in shaping the empire. Simone Tata, a key player behind the scenes, has made an indelible mark on Indian business, particularly in the beauty and retail sectors. Although Simone rarely steps into the public eye, her influence is profound, transforming Lakmé and founding Westside—two brands synonymous with Indian consumers.

The Beginnings of Lakmé: India’s First Beauty Brand

In 1952, India witnessed the launch of Lakmé, the country’s first indigenous beauty brand, created to curb the growing import of foreign cosmetics. The brand was initially housed in a small, rented space but quickly garnered attention as Indian women embraced local products over expensive international ones. By the early 1960s, Lakmé had grown substantially, marking the beginning of its transformation into a national beauty giant.

Simone Tata’s Role in Lakmé’s Rise

While Simone Tata wasn’t involved in the founding of Lakmé, her leadership from 1961 onwards as Managing Director catapulted the brand into the big leagues. She was instrumental in bringing world-class quality to Indian consumers. Simone meticulously sourced products from abroad and ensured that Lakmé developed Indian equivalents of the same caliber. Her hands-on involvement in product development helped Lakmé earn trust as a premium beauty brand.

By the 1980s, Lakmé had expanded its footprint, opening branded beauty salons and becoming a household name across India. Simone Tata’s vision and determination were crucial to this growth. By 1982, under her chairmanship, Lakmé had become a Rs 200 crore company, cementing its place as a market leader in the Indian beauty industry.

Simone Tata’s Entrepreneurial Journey: From Lakmé to Westside

Simone Tata’s contribution to Indian business did not stop at Lakmé. After her success in the beauty sector, she ventured into retail by founding the Westside brand. A pioneer in the Indian fashion retail industry, Westside offered trendy clothing at affordable prices and quickly became a go-to destination for urban shoppers. Simone’s strategic insight into the growing needs of the Indian middle class helped Westside flourish, adding another feather to her cap as a successful businesswoman.

Lakmé’s Transition to Hindustan Unilever

In 1993, Tata Group entered into a 50:50 partnership with Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to manage Lakmé. Simone Tata, confident in the brand’s trajectory, saw this partnership as the next step in the company’s growth. In 1998, the Tata Group sold its remaining stake in Lakmé to HUL for Rs 200 crore, believing that the multinational company would help Lakmé reach new heights. Under Simone’s guidance, the brand had already set a strong foundation, and this transition paved the way for its global expansion.

Simone Tata’s Personal Life and Influence in the Tata Family

Simone Tata’s journey to India began in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was born in 1930. After completing her education at Geneva University, she moved to India in 1953. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata, a prominent figure in the Tata family, and became stepmother to Ratan Tata, the future chairman of the Tata Group. She also gave birth to Noel Tata, a business leader in his own right, further solidifying her deep ties to one of India’s most powerful families.

While her contributions to Lakmé and Westside are well-documented, Simone has generally kept a low profile within the business world. However, her unexpected appearance at Cyrus Mistry’s funeral, amid the well-publicized discord between the Mistry and Tata families, caught public attention and sparked discussions across India’s corporate landscape.

Legacy of Simone Tata: Shaping Indian Retail and Beauty

Simone Tata’s influence on India’s beauty and retail industries cannot be overstated. Her leadership of Lakmé turned a fledgling beauty brand into an empire, while Westside established itself as one of India’s most successful retail chains. Her contributions are often overshadowed by the more public figures in the Tata family, but Simone’s legacy remains one of innovation, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Today, Lakmé continues to thrive under Hindustan Unilever, a testimony to the solid foundation laid by Simone Tata. Westside, now part of Trent Ltd., a Tata Group subsidiary, remains a preferred choice for fashion-conscious shoppers in India. Simone’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and the ability to turn opportunities into flourishing businesses.

A Woman of Quiet Strength

Despite her monumental achievements, Simone Tata has never sought the limelight. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, crafting business strategies and overseeing operations that led to the success of two major brands. Her life story is one of quiet strength, foresight, and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire the next generation of business leaders in India.

In a world often dominated by the names of Ratan Tata and other well-known members of the family, Simone Tata’s work in shaping the retail and beauty industries stands tall, even if often underappreciated.