S. Padmanabhan Sankaranarayanan has been appointed as the new chairperson of Tata Chemicals Ltd., taking over from N Chandrasekaran, who stepped down from the role on May 29. Padmanabhan will formally assume office on May 30, 2025.
Longstanding Career in the Tata Group
Padmanabhan’s association with Tata Chemicals began in December 2016 when he joined as a non-executive director. His professional journey with the Tata Group started in 1982 at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he was involved in managing software projects and logistics across various international locations.
He spent 26 years at TCS, rising through the ranks to become Executive Director of Human Resources before moving to Tata Power in 2008. At Tata Power, he served as Executive Director of Operations until 2014, overseeing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. During this time, he also served on the boards of several subsidiaries.
Key Roles Across the Group
Padmanabhan has held several strategic roles at Tata Sons, including Group Chief Human Resources Officer. He also headed the Tata Business Excellence Group and the Tata Group Ethics function. Since 2014, he has been chairperson of the Governing Council of Business Excellence.
Currently, he chairs the board of Rallis India Ltd. and is a board member of Associated Building Company Ltd., TCE Group Ltd., and Tata Chemicals North America Inc.
Educational Background
Padmanabhan completed his schooling at Shree Baldevdas Kikani Vidyamandir High School (1968–1974). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from PSG College of Technology (1975–1980), graduating with Honours.
In 1982, he received a postgraduate diploma in Business Management with specializations in Systems and Marketing from IIM Bangalore. He further enhanced his leadership credentials with an Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School Executive Education in 2011.
