The Woman Who Changed India’s Beauty Industry: Simone Tata Passes Away at 95

New Delhi | December 6, 2025 Simone Tata, the visionary who reshaped India’s beauty market and turned Lakme into a household name, has died at the age of 95. Her passing was confirmed by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Mumbai, which shared a heartfelt message honoring her impact, grace and remarkable journey. Born in 1930 in Geneva, Simone Dunoyer grew up far from the world she would later transform. Her life changed during a tourist visit to India in 1953, where she met Naval H. Tata. Their meeting led her to move to Mumbai permanently — a decision that would not only alter her own path but also redefine India’s beauty business. Her professional journey with Lakme began in 1962 when she joined its board. At that time, Lakme was a small arm of Tata Oil Mills, and the beauty market in India was limited, with most products being either imported or too expensive for the average woman. Simone held a simple but powerful belief — beauty should never be a luxury. It should be within reach for every Indian woman. Under her leadership, this belief turned into a movement. Simone reshaped Lakme by expanding its product lines, improving quality and focusing on what Indian women actually needed. Step by step, she built a brand that blended trust, affordability and style. Her approach helped Lakme grow not only across India but also internationally, making it one of the most respected names in the beauty world. Her contributions continued beyond Lakme. In 1989, she was appointed to the board of Tata Industries, reflecting her influence within the Tata Group and her ability to guide major business decisions with clarity and conviction. Throughout her life, Simone Tata remained known for her calm leadership, thoughtful vision and ability to connect global thinking with local needs. Her legacy is seen on the shelves of millions of Indian homes, where Lakme products became symbols of confidence and self-expression. The Consulate General of Switzerland expressed deep sorrow and praised her achievements, saying she was “a truly accomplished woman whose legacy will inspire generations.” Their message reflected the emotions of many who admired her work and the mark she left on India’s cultural and economic landscape. Simone Tata’s story is one of courage, reinvention and purpose. She changed how a country saw beauty - making it accessible, relatable and proudly Indian. The Woman Who Changed India’s Beauty Industry: Simone Tata Passes Away at 95 Simone Tata, the mind and heart behind Lakme’s rise, has passed away at 95, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped how Indian women saw beauty. Born in Geneva in 1930, she first came to India as a tourist, met Naval H. Tata in 1953, and made Mumbai her home forever. That one decision changed the future of India’s beauty industry. In 1962, she joined the board of Lakme, which was then just a small part of Tata Oil Mills. But Simone believed something very simple — beauty should be for everyone, not just a luxury for a few. With that idea guiding her, she turned Lakme into one of the most trusted and loved brands in the country. Her vision helped Indian women find products made for their skin, their needs and their lifestyle. She built the brand step by step, expanding its reach and taking it international. In 1989, she was appointed to the board of Tata Industries, marking another milestone in a remarkable career. The Consulate General of Switzerland in Mumbai shared the news of her passing and remembered her as an inspiring woman whose grace and achievements touched many lives. Her work still lives on through every Lakme product that has become a part of daily life for countless women. Simone Tata wasn’t just a business leader — she was a creator of possibilities. She changed the beauty story of India forever, and her impact will continue to inspire generations.