Former Tata Sons director and Padma Shri awardee R.K. Krishnakumar died in Mumbai on Sunday.
Krishnakumar, a Tata Group veteran was instrumental in £271 million buy-out of Tetley in 2000, making Tata Global Beverages the second-largest tea company in the world. According to reports, Krishnakumar suffered a cardiac arrest.
Krishna Kumar served as the managing director of Tata Global Beverages from May 1991 to January 1998, the Business Standard reported. Krishna Kumar was appointed the vice-chairman and managing director in 1997 of the company and retired in 2013, the publication reported.
Krishna Kumar, popularly known as KK, helmed the Indian Hotels Company till 2013 as vice-chairman.
"Krishnakumar was a veteran Tata leader who made an enormous contribution to the Tata Group over his lifetime," Business Standard reported quoting Tata group chairman N. Chandrasekaran.
Krishnakumar joined Tata Administrative Services in 1963 and he was awarded Padma Shri in 2009.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled his death. He tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Padma Shri R. K. Krishnakumar, former #TataSons director and @TataCompanies veteran. Born in Thalassery, he was vital to many pivotal moves by the group, including strengthening ties with Kerala. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends."
