TCS, JLR not on auto-pilot during my tenure: Mistry

The bitter battle between the Tata Group and Cyrus Mistry continues to seethe. Mistry’s office has now hit back on Tata Sons’ November 10 note, saying it creates an illusion Mistry had made no ‘material contributions’ to the success of TCS and JLR. The Tata Sons’ statement implied they (TCS and JLR's performance so far) were a manifestation of Ratan Tata’s personal vision and efforts, Mistry’s statement claims.

While lauding the leadership team for financial and market success of the group companies, Mistry’s statement notes his primary involvement with TCS  had been  focused on future-proofing TCS strategy and  helping  fortify  their  relationships  at  the  C  Suite  level  by  leveraging  the  strength  of  the  Tata Group.

The statement goes on to list out the many decisions taken on behalf of the group companies by Ratan Tata, which may not have eventually proved beneficial.Apart from the Corus deal and certain other older issues like once contemplated sell-off of TCS to IBM by Ratan Tata, the statement details the fallout of a strategic investment in the telecom space.  

"in November 2003, Mr. Tata, against the advice of many of his own team members, decided  to  back  CDMA  as  the  platform  for  the  group’s  telecom  business.  This  “strategic” decision  has  led  to  a  series  of  consequences  that  currently  leave  the  company  structurally challenged. Once again, one person’s judgment adversely affected the jobs of thousands," the statement noted.Watch video for more...