Harish Bhat
About
Harish Bhat is a distinguished leader and the current Brand Custodian of Tata Sons, who with his strategic acumen has been pivotal in numerous successful initiatives, such as the launch and growth of several Tata brands, the turnaround of the jewelry business, and the significant acquisition of Tetley, which stands as a landmark in Tata’s global expansion.
His interests are as dynamic as his professional pursuits. A fitness enthusiast and a connoisseur of great food, he also harbors a passion for writing. His literary contributions are widely recognized, with regular columns in national newspapers like the Hindu Business Line and Mint. In 2012, he published his first book, 'Tata Log,’ with Penguin, where he skillfully narrated stories from the modern history of the Tata Group. His second book, 'The Curious Marketer,’ published by Penguin Random House in 2017, explores the importance of curiosity in marketing and offers insights on how to cultivate a higher curiosity quotient.
Harish is deeply engaged in professional areas such as consumer behavior, marketing, strategy, and business history. His expertise in these fields is acknowledged through his membership in the Consumer Insights Panel of the Economic Development Board, Government of Singapore, and his role on the Board of Governors of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
Harish's journey with the Tata Group began in 1987 when he joined as an officer in the Tata Administrative Service, marking the start of a remarkable 31-year career with the conglomerate. Throughout his tenure, Harish has held several key leadership positions, including Managing Director of Tata Global Beverages Ltd. and Chief Operating Officer of the Watches and Jewellery businesses at Titan Company.
As Chairman of Tata Coffee Ltd. and a Director on the Boards of several major Tata companies, including Tata Global Beverages Ltd., Titan Company Ltd., Trent Ltd., Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd., Infiniti Retail Ltd., Tata Unistore Ltd., and Tata AIA Life Insurance Company, Harish continues to influence the strategic direction of the group. His extensive experience across diverse sectors within the Tata Group has made him a key figure in the company’s sustained growth and success.
Harish’s academic credentials are equally impressive. An alumnus of BITS Pilani and IIM Ahmedabad, he graduated at the top of his class from both institutions, earning the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad Gold Medal for scholastic excellence in 1987.
Why Harish Bhat ?
Through his multifaceted career, Harish Bhat has emerged as a thought leader, a brand strategist, and a passionate storyteller, making indelible contributions to both the Tata Group and the broader business community.
