TEMPO.CO, Bangkok - The Managing Director of India's Tata Motors died on Sunday when he fell from his 22ndfloor hotel balcony in Bangkok. According to the company, Karl Slym was in Thailand to attend a board meeting of Tata Thailand.
Slym, an English national, had run Tata Motors operations since 2012, when he was hired to revitalize sales in the Tata conglomerate’s automotive arm.
"His death comes at a time when the company seems to be close to turning the corner, with new designs and a new petrol engine family, which hasn't been Tata's strong point," said Anil Sharma, an analyst with IHS Automotive as quoted by Reuters.
Reports indicate a three-page note was found in his hotel room. The contents have not yet been made public.
Tata Motors recently introduced a new petrol engine for its passenger vehicles and has been planning to launch a new hatchback and compact sedan this year.
Slym led the company's operational activities in India and international markets including South Korea, Thailand and South Africa, excluding the Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) luxury unit that Tata acquired in 2008.
WDA | ANT
