Ratan Tata Secures AIB-Mena Leadership Award

In recognition of his business leadership, as chairman of the Tata Group, and his inspirational actions in the face of adversity, the honour was conferred by The Academy of International Business — Middle East North Africa Chapter (AIB-Mena). Dr. Melodena S. Balakrishnan, president of AIB-Mena and Associate Professor at UOWD, presented the award, while the ceremony was overseen by UOWD president, Professor Trevor Spedding. The UOWD has nurtured the AIB-Mena chapter. The AIB-Mena leadership award draws inspiration from the windtower, standing resiliently in the face of challenges and turning them into opportunities, offering direction and encouragement, especially during uncertain times.

Tata served as the chairman of Tata Sons, the main company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until he retired in December 2012. Under his direction, he changed the company into a global conglomerate. Tata continues to be involved with multiple business entities in India and abroad and serves as the head of the Tata Trusts, which are one of the biggest philanthropic trusts in India established by the private sector.

Presenting the award, Dr Balakrishnan said: “When AIB-Mena and AIB-India chapters decided to undertake a joint initiative, we looked at those Indian leaders who made a splash in the international business community. Ratan Tata steered the Tata Group to grow revenues to over $100 billion — 40 times the revenues when he took over — and four times the profit.”