Introduction
Simone Tata, an entrepreneur of Swiss descent, was the one who first saw the potential of India’s own cosmetic brand, Lakmé. She was born in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland, but after marrying Naval H. Tata, a son of the famous Tata family, she left her birthplace to come to India in 1955. Her involvement in the Indian business sector marked the start of her career and was one of the factors contributing to the cosmetic and retail revolution.
First Steps in the Profession and Entry into Lakmé
In 1961 Simone Tata entered Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO) which had been the creator of the Lakmé brand in 1952 to start her career. The brand was then still in its infancy, and the Indian cosmetics market was mainly unexploited. Simone concentrated on knowing the consumers better, upgrading the product quality, and, first of all, making Lakmé available all across India.
Guidance and Growth
The guidance of Simone Tata turned Lakmé into a brand known to every household. In 1982, she took over as Chairperson of Lakmé and continued in the post till 1996. During this period, the brand was no longer old-fashioned; it had new products, and its retail outlets were also increased. The forward-looking approach of Simone Tata made it possible for Lakmé to be associated with good-quality cosmetics in India, catering to both metropolitan and developing markets.
Sale to Hindustan Unilever and Retail Ventures
Recognising the potential of a larger platform, Simone Tata sold Lakmé to Hindustan Lever Limited, now known as Hindustan Unilever. Using the proceeds, she established Trent Limited, a retail company under the Tata Group. Eventually, Trent introduced the Westside outlets that completely transformed the organised retailing in India and…
Legacy and Impact
Simone Tata’s reach extended well beyond that of a business magnate. She was the prime mover in…
Conclusion
Simone Tata is still a great personality in the business history of India. From making Lakmé a leading cosmetic brand to…
