Simone Tata, Lakmé, Westside Pioneer, Dies
Analysis based on 15 articles · First reported Dec 05, 2025 · Last updated Dec 05, 2025
The passing of Simone Tata, a key figure in the Indian retail and cosmetics industry, is a significant event for the Tata Group and the brands she built, Lakmé and Westside. While her direct operational involvement had ceased, her legacy continues to influence these entities, and her death marks the end of an era for a pioneering business leader.
Simone Tata, the stepmother of Ratan Tata and mother of Noel Tata, passed away at 95 after a brief illness. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, she married Naval Tata in 1955 and became a pivotal figure in the Tata Group. Simone Tata was instrumental in transforming Lakmé into India's leading cosmetics brand, serving as its chairperson from the early 1980s. After the Tata Group sold Lakmé to Unilever — Hindustan Unilever in 1996, she used the proceeds to establish Westside under Trent Limited, which became a popular department store chain. She also contributed to philanthropic causes, including the Ratan Tata. Her passing is mourned by the Tata family and the business community, recognizing her significant contributions to India's beauty and retail sectors.
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