Tata Trusts ushers in new era of leadership with Noel Tata as chairman

Tata Trusts ushers in new era of leadership with Noel Tata as chairman

Noel Naval Tata said he is "deeply honoured and humbled" after being appointed unanimously as the chairman of Tata Trusts. The decision was taken after the trustees of various Trusts that comprise the Tata Trusts met at a joint meeting held in Mumbai today.

Tata Trusts consists of two main charities, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, which oversee 12 other allied trusts.

Speaking on this occasion, Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, stated – "I look forward to carrying on the legacy of Mr. Ratan N. Tata and the Founders of the Tata Group. On this solemn occasion, we rededicate ourselves to carrying on our developmental and philanthropic initiatives and continuing to play our part in nation building."

Who is Noel Tata?

Son of Naval H Tata and Simone N Tata, Noel, who has largely focused on Tata group's global retail operations, was already a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, which together own 66 percent of Tata Sons, the holding company of the diversified group.

Noel, known to keep away from limelight, has been serving as Trent Ltd's chairman since 2014.

Noel Tata led Tata International Ltd from 2010 to 2021 before taking charge at Trent. Under his leadership, the company’s revenue rose significantly, jumping from $500 million to over $3 billion.

His three children—Neville, Maya, and Leah—are also involved in charitable activities as trustees of Tata family-related foundations.

Noel Tata holds positions on the boards of several Tata Group companies, including Voltas Ltd and Tata Steel Ltd. He joined the board of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust in 2019. In 2018, he was named vice chairman of Titan Company, and in March 2022, he took on the role of vice chairman at Tata Steel, further solidifying his influence within the group.

Who said what on his appointment?

Girish Kuber, Author of 'The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation' said on CNBC-TV18 the decision is a continuation of values of Ratan Tata. Both Noel and Ratan shared common qualities, and the transition speaks highly of the Tata Group, for ushering in new leadership at the right time, just like it had happened in 1991, when passed on the charge to Ratan Tata.