Maya and Leah Tata join Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute Board of Trustees

Maya and Leah Tata, daughters of Noel Tata, have been inducted into the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTI), marking another step in the ongoing succession planning at the Tata Group. This move aligns with the conglomerate's strategy to infuse young leadership into its philanthropic arms.

Key Developments

The appointment of Maya and Leah Tata, as reported by The Economic Times, replaces outgoing trustees Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati. This transition has sparked some internal disagreements, with Kotwal expressing her disapproval in a letter to fellow trustees, criticizing the process behind her resignation.

This marks another milestone for Noel Tata's children—Maya, Leah, and Neville—who are now on the boards of several smaller Tata Trusts. However, they are yet to be inducted into the two key trusts: the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts, and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts.

The Tata Legacy

The Tata Group, valued at $165 billion, owes much of its global stature to the late Ratan Tata, who passed away in October. He played a pivotal role in transforming the family-run business into an international powerhouse. The Tata Trusts, which Ratan Tata chaired until his death, indirectly control about 66% of Tata Sons, the Group's holding company.

Tata Sons is a key shareholder in major entities such as Tata Consultancy Services (India's second-largest company by market capitalization) and Tata Motors, which owns luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover.

Profiles of Maya and Leah Tata

Leah Tata

Currently the Vice President at Indian Hotels Company, Leah oversees the Gateway Hotels brand. She is also a trustee of the Tata Social Welfare Trust, the Tata Education Trust, and the JRD and Thelma J Tata Trust.

Maya Tata

Maya began her career at the Tata Opportunities Fund, part of Tata Capital's private equity division. She now serves on the boards of the Tata Education Trust, the RD Tata Trust, and the JRD and Thelma J Tata Trust.

Neville Tata’s Role

Neville Tata, the eldest of Noel Tata’s children, is already a prominent figure within the Group. He leads Star Bazaar, the hypermarket division of Trent, which handles the Tata Group’s retail operations. Like his sisters, Neville is a trustee of the Tata Social Welfare Trust, the JRD Tata Trust, and the RD Tata Trust.

Strategic Succession

The induction of Maya and Leah Tata is part of a broader effort to bring fresh perspectives to Tata Trusts while maintaining the Group’s deep-rooted legacy in philanthropy and business excellence. Their increasing responsibilities reflect a gradual shift toward the next generation's leadership in one of India’s most influential conglomerates.