Since Ratan Tata , the patriarch of India's Tata Group, decided to splash out $13.1bn early in 2007 on Anglo-Dutch Corus, he has spent a lot of time with smooth-talking Frenchman Philippe Varin , who has run Corus for five and a half years.

The two have got on well - so well that Mr Varin is considered to be in pole position to take over at prize asset Tata Steel [Get Quote] when the job becomes vacant next year.

Assuming Mr Varin gets the nod from Mr Tata to succeed B. Muthuraman when the long-standing Tata Steel chief executive steps down next September, the appointment would help Mr Tata's efforts to underline his group's international credentials.

When Tata bought Corus, the affable Mr Varin considered whether to stay with the group or try life elsewhere. Although Corus is no more than a subsidiary of Tata Steel, the business accounts for four-fifths of Tata's steel output, making it the world's sixth-biggest supplier of the metal.

The diplomatic Mr Varin has shown every sign of having enjoyed working for the Indian company, though he now has a struggle on his hands as Corus pushes through a �350m cost-saving plan that could involve large job cuts next year.

Change at the top of Tata Steel, meanwhile, is necessitated by Mr Muthuraman - a close confidante of Mr Tata - taking advantage of the retirement age at Tata Group of 65, to enjoy hobbies of golf and cricket.

At the age of 56, Mr Varin would not be a particularly youthful choice. However, Mr Tata - who turns 71 this month - is more impressed with ability than youth. He recently extended his own term to allow him to stay at the helm until he is 75.

Copyright: The Financial Times Limited 2008

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