TV Narendran tipped to join Tata Sons board: Report

TV Narendran, who is currently global CEO and MD of Tata Steel, recently met Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran at Bombay House to discuss the possible appointment

TV Narendran, global CEO and MD of Tata Steel, is likely to be inducted into the Tata Sons board as a representative of the group, according to a report by The Economic Times citing senior executives familiar with the matter.

The 60-year-old recently met Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran at Bombay House to discuss the possible appointment, ET reported. Notably, Noel Tata—chairman of Tata Trusts and a director on the Tata Sons board—also serves as vice-chairman of Tata Steel.

Narendran’s potential entry comes as the board sees multiple exits. Ralf Speth, former CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, stepped down this month upon turning 70. Speth had been on the board since October 2016, in the aftermath of Cyrus Mistry’s removal. Earlier this year, independent director Leo Puri resigned in April, while Ajay Piramal, also 70, vacated his seat in August. This has created three vacancies at the holding company, The Economic Times noted.

The Tata Sons board is a mix of executive, non-executive, and independent directors. Insiders told ET that Narendran’s long career in the Tata fold makes him an “obvious candidate.”

Narendran, who joined Tata Steel in 1988 after completing his MBA from IIM Calcutta, became CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, the company executed landmark deals such as the Bhushan Steel acquisition and the Kalinganagar plant expansion. He also holds a prominent position in the global steel sector, serving on the World Steel Association board and steering sustainability initiatives.

A senior Tata executive told The Economic Times, “Only a few leaders within the group today bring the kind of depth and breadth of experience that Narendran does.”

As per Tata Sons’ Articles of Association, executives retire at 65, while directors can serve until the age of 70. The latest appointments are set to reshape the board that was overhauled in 2016 after Mistry’s ouster, ET highlighted.

Current members include Noel Tata, veteran bureaucrat Vijay Singh (76), and TVS Motor chairman Venu Srinivasan (72). Independent directors Harish Manwani and Anita M George also continue on the board.

Tata Sons has not issued a formal statement on Narendran’s expected induction, The Economic Times added.