Dear Friends,

Tata Chemicals is no ordinary company! It stands apart from others, not just for its myriad achievements, but because of its people a breed of individuals who have a unique combination of energy, commitment and talent. It is an old company with a wonderful history, but also one that is ageless when it comes to matching prowess and agility against younger players. It is proud and yet humble, a wonderful teacher and an equally good learner. It can give as good as it gets and yet it has the unique quality of parting with more than it takes. It can be tough when the situation requires and yet soft when a healing touch is required. It is a company that many admire today and many more will admire tomorrow. I consider it a unique privilege and honour to be able to occupy the cockpit and guide the trajectory of this wonderful organization over the next few years.

At the outset I wish to acknowledge the role that Mr. Prasad Menon has played during the last six years, pulling the company out of a rare period of difficulty and putting it back on track stronger and fitter than it has perhaps ever been. He took charge at a time when the commodity cycle was at its worst and the company appeared to have lost its way. The recovery process was perhaps painful but also exhilarating a bit like conquering a Himalayan peak. The joy of reaching the summit made up for all the sweat and toil.

As I move from the 'mentor' to the 'leader' role, I see our path as continuing to be uphill. Expectations have now been raised and we must distinguish ourselves in an increasingly competitive environment. We need to grow and at the same time make sure that the options we choose for growth are the right ones. We have to not only sow the seeds of tomorrow we have to do it in a manner that shortens the time before we reap the rewards of our new initiatives. We need to innovate and do things differently and yet ensure the migration is seamless and smooth. I look forward to exciting days ahead and to working with this great team the journey will be eventful and, I hope, as exciting and enjoyable for you, as I am sure it is going to be for me.

Yours sincerely,
Homi Khusrokhan