Noel Tata becomes new Chairman of Tata Trusts after Ratan Tata's demise

Noel Naval Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata, has been appointed chairman of Tata Trusts, following a board meeting held today in Mumbai.

"The Trustees of various Trusts that comprise the Tata Trusts met at a joint meeting held in Mumbai today. They condoled the demise of Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, and recalled his yeoman services not only to the Tata Group but also to nation building," Tata Trusts said in a statement.

What did Noel Tata say?

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the responsibility that has been cast on me by my fellow Trustees. I look forward to carrying on the legacy of Mr. Ratan N. Tata and the Founders of the Tata Group. Founded more than a century ago, the Tata Trusts are a unique vehicle for undertaking social good. On this solemn occasion, we rededicate ourselves to carrying on our developmental and philanthropic initiatives and continuing to play our part in nation-building," said Noel Naval Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts.

Noel, who has been serving as vice chairman of both Tata Steel and Titan, has played a pivotal role in the group's growth since joining in the early 2000s. 

His mother, Simone Tata, a French-Swiss Catholic and Ratan Tata's stepmother, is currently the chairperson of several Tata entities, including Trent, Voltas, Tata Investment Corporation, and Tata International.

Noel Tata's appointment as chairman of Tata Trusts solidifies his longstanding involvement with the Tata Group.

Tata Trusts is the umbrella body that manages the functions of all 14 Tata Trusts. Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, is largely owned by these two key trusts—Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust—which together hold approximately 66% of the company's ownership.

The current executive committee of Tata Trusts includes Venu Srinivasan, Vijay Singh, and Mehli Mistry. While Tata Trusts holds significant influence over the Tata Group, not all family members are directly involved in the business.

Ratan Tata’s younger brother, Jimmy Tata, leads a private life, residing in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Colaba, a neighborhood in South Mumbai.

Despite his family’s prominence, Jimmy has chosen to remain out of the public eye and away from the operations of the Tata business.