Noel Tata to Step Down from Six Tata Group Boards on November 12

Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, is set to step down from the boards of six Tata Group companies on November 12, 2026, when he turns 70. He will continue as a nominee director on the board of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.

Advertisement

The move follows the Tata Group’s retirement norms for non-executive directors, which set the retirement age at 70. Noel currently holds chairman or vice-chairman positions at the six companies affected by the change.

Six Tata Group Companies Affected

The companies from whose boards Noel Tata is expected to step down are Trent, Voltas, Tata International, Tata Investment Corporation, Tata Steel and Titan Company.

His current positions include:

Advertisement

• Trent: Non-Executive Chairman
• Voltas: Non-Executive Chairman
• Tata International: Non-Executive Chairman
• Tata Investment Corporation: Non-Executive Chairman
• Tata Steel: Non-Executive Vice-Chairman
• Titan Company: Non-Executive Vice-Chairman

The departures will require the affected companies to make appropriate board-level succession arrangements. However, the transition plans for these positions have not been fully established.

Tata Sons Board Role to Continue

Despite leaving the six company boards, Noel will remain a Tata Trusts nominee director on the Tata Sons board. Tata Trusts collectively holds approximately 66% of Tata Sons, giving the organisation a significant role in the governance of the holding company.

Also Read: Noel Tata Challenges Chandrasekaran’s Reappointment as Tata Sons Chairman

Advertisement

He is also expected to continue on the board of Trent Hypermarket, the joint venture between Trent and Tesco that operates Star Bazaar and Star Daily stores.

The planned exits come amid differences between Noel and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran over Chandrasekaran’s proposed reappointment for another five-year term. The disagreement also involves questions concerning Tata Sons’ governance procedures and the future listing of the holding company.

Noel’s departure from the six operating-company boards is in line with the reported retirement policy. His continued role at Tata Sons means he will remain involved in the holding company’s board-level decisions.