Noel Tata and N Chandrasekaran Forge ‘Healthy Working Relationship’ in Initial Meeting, Discuss Routine Business

Noel Tata, the newly appointed chairman of Tata Trusts, held his first official meeting with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran late last week, amid speculation regarding the shifting power dynamics at Bombay House following Ratan Tata's passing. Described as a courtesy call by sources close to the situation, the meeting focused on routine group discussions, setting a positive tone for a "healthy working relationship" between the two.

In addition, Noel Tata reportedly met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, indicating his intention to build strong relationships with the government and other key stakeholders. Neither Tata Sons nor Tata Trusts provided comments on the meetings.

Looking Ahead

The appointment of Noel Tata, Ratan Tata's half-brother, as chairman of Tata Trusts, marks a significant shift in leadership for the philanthropic entities that oversee the Tata Group. Noel Tata, who was already a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, steps into this role as the Tata Trusts own 66% of Tata Sons.

Ratan Tata, who was the last individual to serve concurrently as chairman of both Tata Sons and Tata Trusts, had established an executive committee (EC) for succession planning. This move aimed to ensure that the trusts would be managed collectively rather than by a single individual. The EC currently consists of four trustees: Noel Tata, Mehli Mistry, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh.

Additionally, the trusts have implemented a policy of extending permanent trusteeship to all trustees, as opposed to the previous practice of offering it to only a select few. An official close to the matter explained, "To ensure continuity of loyal Tata adherents, it was decided to appoint trustees for life, complying with the Trust Act, which states that a trustee is a trustee for life."

Unlike the mentor-mentee relationship shared between the late Ratan Tata and N Chandrasekaran (61), the dynamic with Noel Tata (67) will likely differ due to the closer age gap, sources noted. Ratan Tata passed away on October 9 at the age of 86.