Simone Tata: The Visionary Behind Lakmé and Westside Passes Away at 95

Simone Tata, a transformative figure in India’s business landscape and the step-mother of Ratan Tata, has passed away at the age of 95. Known for her pivotal role in building Lakmé and founding Trent Ltd., she influenced India’s beauty and retail sectors for more than four decades. Her journey—from a tourist in India to a leader who shaped two major industries—remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Indian enterprise.

Simone Tata’s Life, Legacy & Impact on Indian Business

Early Life & Arrival in India

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Simone Tata first visited India in 1953 as a 23-year-old tourist. During this visit, she met Naval Tata—26 years older and already divorced.

They married in 1955, after which Simone moved permanently to Mumbai, beginning a journey that would leave a lasting legacy on India’s corporate landscape.

Key Details

• Born in Geneva, Switzerland
• First visited India in 1953
• Married Naval Tata in 1955 and settled in Mumbai

Building Lakmé: Creating India’s Iconic Beauty Brand

Simone Tata became one of the most influential forces behind Lakmé, which was originally established in 1952 after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru encouraged the Tata Group to create an indigenous cosmetics brand.

Simone joined the company early on, gradually rising through leadership positions and becoming its chairperson in the early 1980s. Under her guidance, Lakmé transformed from a niche brand into India’s leading cosmetics company.

Key Data

• Joined Lakmé in its formative years
• Became Chairperson in the early 1980s
• Played a major role in making Lakmé India’s top cosmetics brand
• Oversaw operations until the brand’s sale in 1996

Founding Trent & Launching Westside

When the Tata Group sold Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever in 1996 as part of a restructuring exercise, Simone Tata used the proceeds to create Trent Ltd.

Trent soon launched Westside, which grew into one of India’s most popular and successful department store chains. Through Trent, Simone laid the foundation for what would become a dominant name in modern Indian retail.

• Founded Trent Ltd. using Lakmé sale proceeds
• Launched Westside, now a leading Indian retail chain
• Served as chairperson of Trent until 2006
• Helped modernize India’s retail ecosystem

Leadership Roles in the Tata Group

Beyond Lakmé and Trent, Simone Tata held significant positions across the Tata Group, including her role on the board of Tata Industries. Her leadership was marked by strategic thinking, customer-centric branding, and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour.

• Served on the board of Tata Industries
• Known for strategic leadership and consumer insight
• Helped diversify and modernize Tata Group’s consumer businesses

Final Years & Passing

Simone Tata had been in critical condition since August 2025, battling complications related to Parkinson’s disease. She was airlifted from Dubai to Mumbai for specialized treatment and passed away at Breach Candy Hospital.

She was last seen publicly in October 2024 at the funeral of Ratan Tata, her stepson, who also battled Parkinson’s disease. Following his passing, Noel Tata succeeded him as chairman of Tata Trusts.