N. N. Tata, on stepping down as the Managing Director of Trent, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Tata International Limited. Tata will continue his association with Trent as its non executive Vice Chairman.
N. N. Tata has overseen the profitable growth of Trent from a single store company in 1998 to over 90 stores across its retail formats – Westside, Star Bazaar, Landmark, Fashion Yatra, Sisley and Zara.
During this period, Trent has entered into a strategic franchise and sourcing agreement with the well-known international retailer Tesco of UK for the Star Bazaar business. Under N. N. Tata’s leadership, the consolidated turnover of Trent has increased from Rs. 8 crore in FY 1998-99 to Rs. 1,137 crore in FY 2009-10. Trent has thus established its presence in all major apparel market segments and is considered one of the leading organized retailers in India with national presence.
Tata International Limited is in a wide range of businesses including leather and trading of a variety of products like minerals, steel, ferroalloys and engineering products. Through its 100% held subsidiary Tata Africa Holdings Ltd., it is present in 11 countries in Africa engaged in distribution and marketing of commercial vehicles and other products, in general trading and acting as the lead arm to help other Tata Group companies enter the growing African market.
Tata International is also present in China, South East Asia and West Asia. Under N.N. Tata, Tata International is expected to take on an aggressive growth path, strengthening its leather business by organic expansion and through acquisitions, looking to acquire resources and trade in minerals, further consolidate and grow its position in Africa and enter new geographies.