Noel takes Tata for a big score

Noel is quietly transforming operations at the exports-focused company in which he had started his career and which he has been leading since last August. Noel, known for his low-profile ways, is creating independent business verticals and injecting fresh talent into Tata International to spearhead expansion plans.

Kaul, an old-timer at Tata International, recently shifted base from Mumbai to Indore to oversee the capacity expansion plans at the world’s largest tannery in Dewas. The Tata Group company plans to ramp up leather capacity to meet growing demand from global retailers such as Zara, Betty Barclay, Peter Keiser, Marks & Spencer and Mango.

The company’s leather plants in Chennai, Madhya Pradesh, China and Hong Kong together produce 5 million square feet per month. Noel was unavailable for comment. An email questionnaire sent to Tata International spokesperson Amrita Banerji went unanswered. Tata Group’s public relations agency, Vaishnavi Communications, also did not reply to the email.

“The company is planning to increase capacities as demand from Chinese, American and European retailers is rising,” said a senior official of Tata International who did not want to be quoted.