Simone Tata, architect of Lakmé and Founder of Trent, no more

Simone Tata, the pioneering business leader who helped transform Lakmé into one of India’s most iconic beauty brands and later laid the foundation for Trent, passed away early Friday at the age of 95. Tata—mother of Noel Tata and stepmother of former Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata—had been recovering from an illness. She was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in August following initial treatment at King’s Hospital in Dubai.

She is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah.

Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first came to India in 1953 as a tourist. Her marriage to Naval H. Tata in 1955 initiated a lifelong connection with the Tata family and set her on a path to reshape India’s consumer landscape.

Her formal association with the Tata Group began in 1961 when she joined the board of Lakmé—a fledgling subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company, then known for brands such as Hamam and Okay Soaps.

“She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakmé as India’s leading cosmetic brand and laying the foundation for fashion retail with the Westside chain,” the Tata Group said in a statement. “She also guided the work of many philanthropic organisations, including Sir Ratan Tata Institute.”

At a time when India’s cosmetic market was dominated by imported and often unsuitable products, Simone Tata championed the creation of beauty solutions designed specifically for Indian women. Under her direction, Lakmé expanded from a niche offering into one of India’s most trusted and recognisable brands.

She became chairperson in 1982 and earned the title “Cosmetic Czarina of India,” reflecting her leadership in mainstreaming beauty products across the country.

With economic liberalisation reshaping India’s business landscape, Lakmé entered a 50:50 joint venture with Hindustan Unilever in 1996. Two years later, the company sold its brands to HUL and exited the venture entirely, divesting its stake for around ₹200 crore.

The sale marked the start of a new chapter. Under Simone Tata’s guidance, the company pivoted to fashion and lifestyle retail—spotting an opportunity in a category poised for growth. This vision ultimately paved the way for Trent, now the parent company of Westside, Zudio and other popular retail formats.

During the transition, Lakmé acquired Littlewoods International (India) in 1998, which operated ready-to-wear garment stores. The acquisition was soon followed by the merger of Lakmé and Trent, with the combined entity officially adopting the Trent name—cementing Simone Tata’s influence on both India’s beauty and modern retail sectors.

Simone Tata’s work helped shape two of India’s most dynamic consumer categories: beauty and retail. Her belief in homegrown brands, consumer-first innovation and professional governance has left an indelible mark on the Tata Group and on generations of Indian shoppers.

Tributes are expected to pour in from across industry and public life as India remembers one of its most influential and understated business architects.