**Simone Tata, Influential Business Leader, Passes Away at 95**
**Meta Description:** Simone Tata, a pioneering figure in India’s cosmetics industry and mother of Noel Tata, has passed away at 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
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**Simone Tata, Influential Business Leader, Passes Away at 95**
New Delhi: Simone Tata, aged 95, the mother of Noel Tata and stepmother to former Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata, passed away early Friday. She had been recovering from an illness and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai earlier this August after initial treatment at King’s Hospital in Dubai. Simone is survived by her son Noel, his wife Aloo Mistry, and her grandchildren Neville, Maya, and Leah.
Known for her positivity and resilience, Tata faced numerous challenges throughout her life. She leaves behind a significant legacy as a business leader, having played a crucial role in the development of Lakmé during its early years before its sale to Hindustan Unilever in the 1990s. A statement from the Tata Group highlighted her contributions, stating, “She will always be remembered for her role in establishing Lakmé as India’s leading cosmetic brand and for laying the groundwork for fashion retail with the Westside chain. She also supported various philanthropic organizations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute.”
Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first visited India as a tourist in 1953. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata and began her professional journey with the Tata Group in the early 1960s. Her formal engagement with the group started in 1961 when she joined the board of Lakmé, which was then a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO), known for personal care brands like Hamam and Okay.
Simone was instrumental in shaping Lakmé’s vision to cater to the needs of Indian women for locally produced cosmetics. Under her leadership, Lakmé evolved into a well-recognized Indian brand, and she became chairperson in 1982. Often referred to as the “Cosmetic Czarina of India,” she was pivotal in popularizing cosmetics among Indian women.
In the post-liberalization era, Lakmé Ltd entered a 50:50 joint venture with Hindustan Unilever, known as Lakmé Unilever Ltd, in 1996 to market Lakmé’s cosmetics alongside select HUL products. By 1998, Lakmé sold its brands to HUL and exited the joint venture, divesting its 50% stake for ₹200 crore. Following this transition, Lakmé shifted its focus from cosmetics to apparel retailing, identifying a market gap for homegrown brands, which led to the establishment of Trent Ltd, now known for retail formats like Westside and Zudio.
As part of this strategic move, Lakmé acquired Littlewoods International (India) in March 1998, which specialized in ready-to-wear garments. Eventually, Trent Ltd was merged with Lakmé, and Lakmé Limited was officially renamed Trent Ltd.
**FAQ**
**What was Simone Tata’s contribution to the cosmetics industry in India?**
Simone Tata played a pivotal role in establishing Lakmé as a leading cosmetic brand in India, focusing on creating products tailored to the needs of Indian women and significantly influencing the fashion retail landscape.
