Ratan Tata’s Passing Sparks Succession Questions
The passing of Ratan Tata, the iconic former chairman of the Tata Group, has prompted serious discussions about the future of the business empire. Often described as shy and humble, Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night. The Tata Group, in a statement, said, “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”
With Tata Trusts holding a 66% stake in the Rs 3,600 crore conglomerate, the main question on everyone’s mind is: Who will lead after Ratan Tata?
Current Head: N Chandrasekaran
N Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, has held the role since 2017, following the ouster of Cyrus Mistry. Many had anticipated that Noel Tata, Ratan’s stepbrother, would take on the leadership role, but instead, Chandrasekaran, the former CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), assumed the position. Known as Ratan Tata’s confidante, Chandrasekaran has guided the group towards consistent profitability, increasing Tata’s profit from Rs 36,728 crore in 2017 to Rs 64,267 crore in 2022.
Reflecting on Ratan Tata’s legacy, Chandrasekaran expressed in his condolence message, “To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He was inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.”
Who Comes Next After Chandrasekaran?
Although N Chandrasekaran, 61, currently holds the reins, the question remains: who will lead after him? Since Ratan Tata never married and had no biological children, many are turning their attention to Noel Tata and his three children — Leah, Maya, and Neville — as possible successors.
Noel Tata: A Leading Contender
Noel Tata, Ratan’s 67-year-old stepbrother, is widely seen as a strong contender for the top position. As the son of Ratan Tata’s father and his second wife, Simone Dunoyer, Noel has been closely associated with the Tata Group for over 40 years. He currently chairs several companies within the group, including Trent, Voltas, and Tata Investment Corporation. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice Chairman at Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited.
Noel is also deeply involved in the philanthropic side of the business, serving as a trustee for the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, both of which manage Tata’s charitable efforts and control the majority stake in Tata Sons.
Leah Tata: A Rising Star
If Noel doesn’t take the helm, Leah Tata, his eldest daughter, could be next in line. Leah, a graduate of Jai Hind College in Mumbai, has been working with the Indian Hotels Company since 2007, overseeing the Tata Group’s hotel ventures. She holds a Master’s degree in marketing from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, and is currently part of the company’s real estate and development team. Earlier this year, Leah and her siblings were appointed as trustees of five Tata-affiliated trusts, strengthening her position within the company.
Maya Tata: A Key Player in the Digital Arena
Maya Tata, another of Noel’s children, is a 36-year-old who has carved out a strong role within the Tata Group. Educated at Bayes Business School and Warwick University, Maya started as an analyst at Tata Capital and later joined Tata Digital, where she played an instrumental role in launching the Tata Neu app. Currently, she is one of six board members at the Tata Medical Centre Trust, making her another potential candidate for leadership.
Neville Tata: The Youngest Heir
Neville Tata, the youngest child of Noel, completed his education at Bayes Business School in London before taking up a role at Trent, where he now leads Star Bazaar. Married to Manasi Kirloskar of the renowned Kirloskar family, Neville is yet another member of the Tata family who could step into a leadership role.
An Outsider Could Succeed Ratan Tata
While many expect a member of the Tata family to assume leadership, there is also the possibility that an ‘outsider’ could take charge. One such candidate is Mehli Mistry, a director at the Meherji Pallonji Group. Mistry, who shares a close relationship with the Tata family, has been involved with Tata’s operations for years and is a cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of Tata Sons.
The Tata Legacy
The passing of Ratan Tata has also brought renewed attention to the Tata family’s legacy. Founded by Jamsetji Tata, the family has played a critical role in India’s industrial development. Jamsetji’s sons, Dorabji and Ratanji Tata, carried forward the legacy, expanding the business into new sectors.
Naval Tata, who was adopted by Ratanji and his wife, continued the family tradition. His sons, Ratan Tata and Jimmy Tata, as well as his second marriage to Simone Dunoyer, ensured that the Tata family’s influence would continue through future generations, with Noel Tata and his children being the most likely heirs.
As the Tata Group enters a new era, the leadership question looms large. Whether a family member or an outsider takes charge, the company’s future will hinge on their ability to preserve Ratan Tata’s legacy of integrity, excellence, and innovation.
