India's best known cosmetic company Lakme (brand value Rs 200 crore or Rs 2 billion) belonged to the House of Tatas. Westside, the retailing venture of Tatas (turnover Rs 112 crore or Rs 1.12 billion; profit after tax Rs 17 crore or Rs 170 million as of March 2003) operates a chain of 12 stores in major metros across the country.
The retail stores have become the darling of India's burgeoning middle and elite class. Both are creations of the connoisseur of aesthetics, its chairperson, the stately Simone Tata.
Simone Tata occupies a small office in the grand Bombay House on Sir Homi Mody Street in Fort, Mumbai. Bombay House occupies a place of pride in every Indian's heart. From there beams India's most endearing, durable and dignified corporate brand -- Tata. The Tata empire is run from this august small edifice.
Extracted from: Creative Businesswoman Simone Tata by Shrinivas Pandit. Price Rs 125. Copyright 2008 by Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited. Reprinted with permission of Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited. All rights reserved.
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