Simone Tata, Ratan Tata’s stepmother and Lakme icon, passes away at 95

Simone Tata, the pioneering business leader who transformed Lakme into one of India’s most iconic beauty brands, passed away at the age of 95.

The Consulate General of Switzerland in Mumbai shared the news on their X handle, remembering Tata’s monumental contributions in shaping Lakme into India’s leading cosmetic company. “We mourn the passing of Simone Tata, a truly accomplished woman whose achievements and grace touched so many. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Tata family,” the post read.

Born Simone Dunoyer in 1930 and raised in Geneva, she met Naval H. Tata during a visit to India in 1953 and later settled in Mumbai. In 1962, she joined the board of Lakme, then a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills, with a vision to make beauty accessible to every Indian woman. Under her leadership, Lakme grew into a leading cosmetic brand, expanded internationally, and earned her a position on the board of Tata Industries in 1989.

Lakme India also paid tribute to Simone Tata, calling her the legendary visionary who empowered Indian women. “Rest in peace, Simone Tata, the legendary visionary behind Lakme. We honour the memory of the woman who empowered Indian women to put their best self forward with confidence, beauty and grace. Your legacy lives on forever. With immense gratitude, LAKME,” the brand stated.

Simone Tata was the mother of Noel Tata and the stepmother of former Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata , through her marriage to Naval H. Tata, Ratan Tata’s foster father.