Tatas go on global talent manhunt
Hindustan Times — January 3, 2006

The Tatas have recently reviewed all core HR process in an attempt to create a framework that will effectively aid and support the internationalisation process of the group companies. As a first step, the group is looking at its practices in resourcing and talent management. Radhakrishnan Nair, who till recently was vice-president of group company VSNL, has been moved to group human resources as head of internationalisation.

The group HR department will now give increased focus on areas such as international remuneration guidelines & benchmarks, framework for global career paths and international sourcing. "The Tata group's HR department has initiated several steps to bring in best global practices to effectively aid the internationalisation process. We are now planning to look at areas like resourcing and talent management," said a top Tata group executive who is familiar with the matter. The Tata group has now 5,000 employees working overseas.

This is likely to go up, with the group expanding the global presence through acquisitions. The group HR department will also look at specific areas like benchmarking of salaries in various geographies. For instance, issues like creating a remuneration package for employees, moving from one geography to another, will be examined in greater detail. The group's HR department has also identified areas that will get increased attention in 2006.

This mainly include, among other things, creating organisation structures and policy frameworks for new ventures and short-term cross company projects for accelerated learning and multi cultural exposure. There are also plans to allow job rotation within the group and review of global practices in compensation and benefits. The group is planning to identify high potential managers as part of its efforts to develop future leaders. The HR department is now planning to establish systems to assess high potential managers.

The group, which has begun the process of internationalisation by acquiring the UK-base Tetley in 2000, has stepped up its global presence by taking over around 9 companies in 2005 in deals valued over $1 billion. The acquisitions have helped the group to corner market share in the global markets.