Mumbai, April 9
While the exit of chairman Ratan Tata next year is a cause of concern, the Tata Group expects his successor — to be selected by a high-profile panel — would be at the helm for a 30-40-year period.

Tata Sons Director R Gopalakrishnan told reporters in Mumbai last evening, "We think the next leadership is not for five years but he will be there for 30-40 years, may be," adding, “ The group does not want a person who comes in for just five years, takes stock options and departs to the Bahamas.”

In the 140-years of the group's history, Ratan Tata is only the fifth Chairman, which is a sort of a record, Gopalakrishnan pointed out.

The Tata brand has evolved over the years — from an $300-million entity in 1998 it had metamorphosed into an $5.5-billion brand in 2005. Now it is estimated at around $14 billion, the senior Tata group official said.

The corporate brand must first earn respect and then strive to earn love, Gopalakrishnan said. — PTI