New Delhi: A major leadership transition is taking shape at one of India’s most powerful business groups. N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, has decided not to seek another term when his current tenure ends on February 20, 2027, opening the door to a closely watched succession battle at the Tata Group.
Chandrasekaran’s decision came after months of uncertainty over his reappointment. The Tata Sons board had earlier discussed giving him a third term, but the process was delayed after concerns were raised about losses in some newer businesses and the pace of capital deployment. Reports have pointed to differences between Chandrasekaran and Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, which controls about two-thirds of Tata Sons.
Chandrasekaran became Tata Sons chairman in 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry. During his tenure, Tata expanded aggressively across several strategic sectors, including electric vehicles, aviation, electronics manufacturing and semiconductors. The group also took control of Air India and has been investing heavily in new businesses that could shape its next decade.
But the leadership question is now becoming bigger than just replacing one chairman.
Tata Sons sits at the centre of the group’s structure, making its chairman one of the most influential corporate positions in India. The next chairman will have to manage businesses ranging from Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Motors to Tata Steel, Air India and the group’s newer technology and manufacturing projects.
Noel Tata is expected to play an important role in the selection process. As chairman of Tata Trusts, he has significant influence over Tata Sons and has emerged as a key figure in the group’s future direction following Ratan Tata’s death in 2024. Reuters has reported that Noel will be central to choosing Chandrasekaran’s successor.
Several names may enter the discussion, including senior Tata executives, although no final successor has been officially announced. External candidates could also be considered.
