Ratan Tata to step down as Tata chairman

New Delhi, Aug 25: Mr Ratan Tata, the icon of Indian industry, says he is 'longing' to step down as Chairman of the Tatas if he finds an able successor.

In an interview to Karan Thapar's India Tonight programme, to be telecast on CNBC on Monday evening, Mr Tata revealed that he was working to put in place a successor and although he could serve for five more years as Chairman of Tatas, he was ''longing'' to step down.

''How long I will stay will depend on my ability to put a successor in place,'' he said.

Asked whether he was in the process of trying to do so, Mr Tata, known for his suave demeanour, said he would not like to comment on the matter.

''As per the rules that we have I have five more years to go. I may not stay all of those five years if I have a successor in place before then,'' he added.

He also exuded hope that he would be able to find a sucessor soon.

Asked by Mr Thapar whether he was waiting to 'liberate' himself, he said, ''In many ways that's something I would absolutely agree with you. That's something I'm longing to do.'' UNI