Tatas rope in ex-Foreign Secretary Jaishankar

In a significant move, Tata Sons has appointed former foreign secretary S. Jaishankar as the Tata group’s president, Global Corporate Affairs.

Mr. Jaishankar will report to N. Chandrasekaran, executive chairman of Tata Sons, in his new role.

The Indian foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, Mr. Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 holding key roles during his career including stints as High Commissioner to Singapore, Ambassador to China and the United States. He also played a key role in negotiating the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement.

``In his new role, he will be responsible for the Tata group’s global corporate affairs and international strategy development and Tata Sons’ international offices will report to him,’’ a release from Tata Sons said.

``Mr. Jaishankar will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence and positioning in their respective geographies globally,’’ the release added.

“I am delighted to welcome Mr. Jaishankar to the Tata group. His extensive experience and knowledge on international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally,” Mr. Chandrasekaran said in a release.

Dr Jaishankar said, “The Tata group is an iconic institution known for its value-based leadership as well as India’s most respected brand globally. I look forward to being part of the Tata group and working with key stakeholders to make an impact,” the release quoted Mr. Jaishankar as saying.