Who is Bhaskar Bhat? Man who transformed Titan into one of India’s most respected brands, now inducted to Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Board

Tata Trusts on Tuesday announced new appointments to the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). Neville Tata, son of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, and senior Tata Group executive Bhaskar Bhat have been named as trustees. Their three-year term began on November 12. The board also approved the appointment of Venu Srinivasan, a well-known leader from the TVS Group, as Trustee and Vice Chairman of SDTT for the same period, after completing all legal and regulatory procedures.

Neville Tata, 32, represents the new generation of the Tata family. A graduate of Bayes Business School, he already serves on the boards of the JRD Tata Trust, Tata Social Welfare Trust, and RD Tata Trust. Industry experts believe his role in the Tata group’s charitable and social work will continue to grow. Reports also suggest that he may soon join the board of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust.

Together, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust own more than 51% of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.

Who is Bhaskar Bhat?

Bhaskar Bhat brings decades of leadership and business experience to the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. The 71-year-old began his career at Godrej & Boyce before joining the Tata Watch Project in 1983, which later became Titan.

During his long career at Titan, Bhat helped transform the company into one of India’s most respected consumer brands. As managing director from 2002 to 2019, he led Titan’s journey from a watch company to a major lifestyle and precision engineering brand, expanding into jewellery, eyewear, perfumes, and accessories. Under his leadership, Titan grew to become India’s largest watchmaker and the sixth largest in the world.

An alumnus of IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, Bhat is known for introducing modern retail and franchise models in India’s lifestyle industry. He continues to hold key positions on several company boards, including Tata Sons.

Under his leadership, the company’s market value grew to approximately USD 13 billion, positioning it as the second-largest listed company in the Tata Group at that time.

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