New Delhi: After N. Chandrasekaran has opted out of seeking re-election as the chairman of Tata Sons, the Tata Group is now all set to undergo for an important leadership transition. While Chandrasekaran will going to remain in the position until the end of his term in February 2027, the hunt to replace him has begun by the company.
A name that’s grabbing much attention is that of Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts and a long time member of the Tata family. Now the question is who would possibly succeed Chandrasekaran with Noel Tata.
Noel Tata is closely involved with the Tata Group. He has served in several high level roles at Tata and has made a significant contribution to the development of Trent, the group retail business. In addition, he also succeeded Ratan Tata as Chairman of Tata Trusts in 2024. Noel has a significant role in the overall decision-making process of Tata Trusts, which holds a stake in Tata Sons of approximately 66%.
The Leadership question has a larger issue at rear. If the Reserve Bank of India eventually mandates listing of Tata Sons’ shares, Noel Tata might think about changes in the Tata Sons board, according to a report in Fortune India. Tata Sons is on the top layer of the RBI’s NBFC list of 2026-27 but the regulator hasn’t yet decided on the firm’s application for de-listing from the list.
Having Tata Sons come public could attract more investors and greater transparency, thereby holding the company to higher standards of regulation. Also, it may limit the direct control of Tata Trusts on the holding company. Noel Tata has reportedly indicated against the idea of a listing of Tata Sons to ensure that the Tata Trusts have more influence on the group’s long-term strategy.
This is where Noel Tata’s possible appointment comes into picture. But if it’s retaining the Tata family’s long-term dominance of the group, Noel may be a logical fit. He has a profound insight into the role of the Trusts and the link between the Tata family and Tata Sons, as a member of Tata Trusts.
This is because Noel Tata’s inclusion would bring a different leadership style but Chandrasekaran was to leave Prime.But Noel Tata would be a different leadership style for Chandrasekaran was to be replaced. Chandrasekaran was a professional executive who made it to TCS, before making history to become the first non-family, non-Parsis chairman of the Tata Group. While at the helm, the team diversified its footprint into industries like aviation and semiconductors, electric vehicles and digital businesses.
The Tata Group today is much more than its traditional businesses. Air India is going through a complete restructuring, Tata Electronics is investing in the semiconductor industry and Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Power are global companies. Future chairman will thus require good experience in the management of a large and complex business group.
So, is Noel Tata the best choice?
He may prove to be a good option, but as yet, it is not a clear cut one. Noel is a family member, has Tata Group experience and an understanding of Tata Trusts. Chandrasekaran, however, had a wealth of skill and experience in the management of a large, global organisation.
The outcome will come down to what Tata Sons wants from its next chairperson – one who can exercise more family control and continuity, or one who can deal with the group’s next phase of growth and will have only a secondary role in running the business. But the next chairman of the Tata Group may yet be an unknown from within or outside the company, as is Noel Tata. The transfer of control of the $280 billion Tata Group is bound to influence its trajectory for years to come.
