Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Monday said uncertainties will persist in the new year but exuded confidence that the diversified conglomerate is better placed to take on challenges.

He said the salt-to-software $110-billion group is “stronger, more resilient and future ready” now and is moving “decisively” on financial fitness and operational efficiencies.

The comments from the group chairman come at a time growth has slowed to a six-year low domestically and there are clouds of uncertainties globally as well.

Recently, his appointment was termed illegal by the NCLAT based on predecessor Cyrus Mistry’s petition. The group is challenging the order.

In an email to employees, Chandrasekaran said there is a steady improvement in the group-level performance but also pointed out that there is more work to be done in some companies, which are facing headwinds because of the economic conditions.

“Macro uncertainties will persist in 2020, but they will also be accompanied by new opportunities across different businesses and markets,” he said.

Chandra, as he is called in the industry circles, said this is the time for “relentless focus” on execution to realise the future bets, including digital thrust and existing business transformation for an artificial intelligence and data-led future.

Terming 2019 as a “busy” year, he stated that the acquisition of Bhushan Steel is under way, the group’s profits mainstay — TCS — is delivering market leading performance, Tata Motors is facing “unprecedented headwinds” domestically and the Tata Global Beverages-Tata Chemicals’ consumer business consolidation is near completion.