Words cannot describe the deep sense of loss Ratan Tata on RK Krishnakumars demise

RK Krishnakumar, former Director, Tata Sons, and a close aid of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, and Chairman, Tata Trusts, passed away on January 1, 2022 due to cardiac arrest.

Remembering Krishnakumar, Tata tweeted, “Words cannot describe the deep sense of loss I feel on the passing of my friend and colleague Mr. R. K. Krishnakumar. I will always fondly remember the camaraderie we shared both within the group and personally. He was a true veteran of the Tatas and will be missed dearly by all.”

Krishnakumar, a Tata veteran, had joined the Tata Administrative Services in 1963. He had worked in various group companies of Tata Sons, including, Tata Global Beverages (earlier Tata Finley), and was involved in its re-branding as Tata Tea. He became the Vice-President of South India Plantations in 1982.

Between 1997 and 2002, Krishnakumar headed India Hotels Company. He was then appointed to the Tata Sons’ board of directors as a member. After retiring from the board, Krishnakumar was made Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Hotels Company.

Krishnakumar is credited with the successful acquisition of Tetley in 2000.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009.