In a fresh top-deck churn at the Tata group, Naveen Tahilyani, Tata Digital CEO and MD, has stepped down just a year after taking charge in February 2024, people familiar with the matter told ET.
His abrupt exit underscores the conglomerate’s continued struggle to find steady leadership for its digital bets—particularly around the Tata Neu superapp, which has undergone multiple business pivots since launch and continues to face challenges in gaining meaningful traction.
Tahilyani, who was brought in from Tata AIA Life Insurance after the exit of CEO Pratik Pal, had initiated a revamp of the digital unit’s leadership and strategic direction during his short stint.
Under him, the company recalibrated its focus on Tata-owned brands such as electronics platform Croma and fashion marketplace Tata Cliq, while also seeking greater coherence across portfolio firms like e-grocer BigBasket and digital pharmacy 1mg.
People in the know said Tahilyani is expected to take up an overseas role within the group.
His departure comes at a time when the salt-to-software giant is still trying to stabilise its digital commerce strategy and keep pace with rivals in the hyper-competitive online retail and fintech space.
When contacted, Tahilyani did not respond to ET’s request for comment.
His abrupt exit underscores the conglomerate’s continued struggle to find steady leadership for its digital bets—particularly around the Tata Neu superapp, which has undergone multiple business pivots since launch and continues to face challenges in gaining meaningful traction.
Tahilyani, who was brought in from Tata AIA Life Insurance after the exit of CEO Pratik Pal, had initiated a revamp of the digital unit’s leadership and strategic direction during his short stint.
Under him, the company recalibrated its focus on Tata-owned brands such as electronics platform Croma and fashion marketplace Tata Cliq, while also seeking greater coherence across portfolio firms like e-grocer BigBasket and digital pharmacy 1mg.
People in the know said Tahilyani is expected to take up an overseas role within the group.
His departure comes at a time when the salt-to-software giant is still trying to stabilise its digital commerce strategy and keep pace with rivals in the hyper-competitive online retail and fintech space.
When contacted, Tahilyani did not respond to ET’s request for comment.
