Tata Sons Appoints Ex-Foreign Secy as Global Corp Affairs Head

Jaishankar is an MA in political science and an MPhil and PhD in international relations from JNU.

Former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar outside the Parliament during the Budget session in New Delhi.

(Photo: PTI)

Tata Group on Monday announced the appointment of former Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar as its President, Global Corporate Affairs, within three months of his retirement from government service.

Jaishankar will report to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, the company said in a statement.

"In his new role, he will be responsible for the Tata group's global corporate affairs and international strategy development and Tata Sons' international offices will report to him," it added.

Tata Sons further said Jaishankar, who was India’s foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence and positioning in respective geographies globally. He had retired on 28 January.

Commenting on the appointment, Chandrasekaran said, "Jaishankar’s extensive experience and knowledge of international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally." Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 and held key roles during his career, including stints as High Commissioner to Singapore, Ambassador to China and the United States.

He also played a key role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, the statement said.

A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in political science and an MPhil and PhD in international relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).