New Delhi: Noel Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Trusts, a key entity overseeing the governance of the Rs 30 lakh crore Tata Group empire. The decision to name Noel Tata as the new leader was made unanimously during a meeting in Mumbai on Friday. He will be succeeding Ratan Tata, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 86, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Noel Tata currently serves as the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Tata International Limited and also chairs Tata Investment Corporation. He is also a trustee of both the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which collectively own a 66 percent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. Over the years, Noel has led Trent, the group’s retail division, turning it from a single store in 1998 into a successful chain with over 700 stores across India.

Noel Tata has also held the position of Vice Chairman at both Titan Company and Tata Steel, while playing a key role as a board member of Voltas. As Managing Director of Tata International Limited, the 67-year-old was instrumental in driving the company’s revenue growth from 500 million dollars to over $3 billion dollars between 2010 and 2021.

Noel Tata, the son of Naval Tata and half-brother of Ratan Tata has long been closely tied to the Tata family legacy. His vast experience across various Tata companies and leadership roles made him a natural choice to succeed Ratan Tata at the helm of Tata Trusts. The Parsi community’s preference for someone with the Tata surname as the group’s leader also influenced his selection. Noel is a graduate of Sussex University in the UK and has completed the International Executive Programme (IEP) from the prestigious INSEAD business school.

Noel Tata’s family is deeply connected to the Tata Group as well. His wife, Aloo Mistry, is the daughter of Pallonji Mistry, who was the largest individual shareholder in Tata Sons. Their son, Neville Tata, joined Trent in 2016 and now oversees Star Bazaar. His eldest daughter, Leah Tata, serves as Vice President at Indian Hotels Company Limited, while his other daughter, Maya, is involved with Tata Capital.

Tata Trusts may meet today in Mumbai to discuss succession, Bloomberg has reported citing sources. The meeting follows the passing away of Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons and a driving force behind the philanthropic organisation, on October 9 at the age of 86.

Ratan Tata, who was laid to rest on October 10 with full state honours in Mumbai, did not appoint a successor before his death.

The Trusts, primarily the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, collectively hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the vast Tata Group. These Trusts, with their focus on poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, are integral to Ratan Tata’s legacy of impactful philanthropy.

Ratan Tata owned a small direct stake of 0.83 percent in the Tata group holding company Tata Sons.

The Tata group operates in over 100 countries across six continents. In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people.

While Ratan Tata’s passing has sparked speculation about succession, it’s important to note that each Tata company operates independently under its own board of directors. The Trusts’ influence lies primarily in their shareholder position within Tata Sons.

Potential Successors: A New Generation Emerges

Although no successor has been named, Ratan Tata’s half-brother, Noel Tata, is considered a strong contender. As the son of Naval Tata from his second marriage, Noel has been involved with the Tata Group for many years. His children – Maya, Neville, and Leah – have also taken on roles within the conglomerate, marking a potential shift towards a new generation of leadership.

Leah Tata: The eldest, Leah holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid and joined the Tata Group in 2006. She currently serves as Vice President at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Maya Tata: Maya began her career as an analyst at Tata Capital and has steadily progressed within the company.

Neville Tata: Neville’s career began at Trent, a retail business his father helped establish.

Current Leadership: A Steady Hand at the Helm

N Chandrasekaran, the current Chairman of Tata Sons, assumed leadership in 2017. His successful tenure as CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) earned him widespread recognition for his strategic acumen. Chandrasekaran is widely regarded as the group’s current leader, providing stability during this transition.

Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Vision and Compassion

Ratan Tata’s journey with the Tata Group began in 1962 after completing his architecture studies at Cornell University. Ascending through the ranks, he became Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his leadership, the Tata Group experienced unprecedented global expansion, marked by the public listing of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover by Tata Motors.

Beyond his business achievements, Ratan Tata will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy. The Tata Trusts, under his guidance, have made significant contributions to social development in India.

Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2012, Ratan Tata remained involved with the Trusts as Chairman Emeritus. His passing elicited tributes from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded him as a visionary leader, compassionate soul, and extraordinary human being.

As the Tata Trusts board convenes, the world watches to see how this legacy of impactful philanthropy will be carried forward. The decisions made today will shape the future of the Trusts and their mission to create a better India.

Tata, who helmed the sprawling salt-to-software conglomerate for over two decades, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai at 11:30 pm on Wednesday. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, Tata had been under intensive care since Monday.

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron has condoled the demise of iconic industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, who breathed his last at a Mumbai hospital on October 9.

In a social media post, shared by the French Embassy in India, Macron stated: “France has lost a dear friend from India. Ratan Tata’s visionary helmsmanship contributed to boosting industries in India and France, in the fields of innovation and manufacturing. Beyond this, his legacy will be marked by his humanist vision, immense philanthropic achievements and his humility.”

“I convey my deepest condolences to his near and dear ones as well as to the people of India. We will remember your lifelong commitment to the betterment of society with admiration and respect,” he said.

Battling with age-related health issues at the Breach Candy Hospital since Monday, Ratan Tata (86) breathed his last shortly before midnight on Wednesday, plunging the world of industry and corporates into gloom.

His mortal remains were taken to the NCPA Lawns on Thursday morning to enable the people to pay their last respects before the funeral at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai in the evening.

On Thursday afternoon, Ratan Tata’s glass-topped coffin draped in the Tricolour was mounted in a closed flower-bedecked van which sped off to the Prayer Hall and Crematorium at Worli, some 12 km away.

His head, covered in a typical red Parsi prayer cap and body in traditional community attire, was visible from the coffin at the NCPA Lawns and the Prayer Hall in Worli, as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi religious men chanted prayers and reverently stood beside him.

Hundreds of vehicles carrying the police, security, political and other VVIPs plus hordes of media persons zoomed along the Mumbai Coastal Road, even as normal traffic movement was halted for some time.

En-route, on both sides, there were many thousands of Mumbaikars, many with moist eyes, raising their hands in a symbolic ‘Goodbye, Tata’, some carrying small posters or placards with his photos as the motorcade zipped away.

Before Worli, there were many more thousands of locals who had trooped out on the roads and stood on both sides, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary tycoon who had touched the lives of many millions during his lifetime through his industries, social, educational, health and philanthropic activities.

At some squares and thoroughfares, there were large hoardings with photos of Tata and tributes by the common folk expressing their sentiments and gratitude to their iconic hero.

At the Worli Crematorium’s prayer hall, barely 200 VVIPs and close family members were permitted to offer wreaths and flowers to Ratan Tata’s remains kept there for some time.

Later, it was taken to the cremation spot by a police team. A police band played the Last Post, accorded him a gun salute, and removed and folded the Tricolour, which was handed over to a relative.

The social media was flooded with similar big and small gestures of Tata that left an everlasting impression on thousands of people from all over the world, directly or indirectly, his love for dogs and a full-fledged animal care hospital at a cost of Rs 165 crore in Mahalaxmi for 200 ‘patients’, that was inaugurated in July 2024, and other touching experiences.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) posted a 5% rise in its consolidated net profit for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, which ended in September. The company’s net profit reached Rs 11,909 crore, up from Rs 11,342 crore in the same period last year. However, this result was slightly below market expectations, as analysts had forecast a profit of Rs 12,450 crore.

TCS also reported an 8% year-on-year increase in its revenue, which stood at Rs 64,259 crore for the quarter, driven by growth across several sectors.

The company’s board has approved a second interim dividend of Rs 10 per share, which will be paid on November 5. The record date for this dividend has been set for October 18, 2024.

Performance overview

TCS noted that trends seen in previous quarters, such as caution in client spending, continued into this quarter. Despite global uncertainties, especially in the geopolitical sphere, the company’s largest vertical, Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), showed signs of recovery. TCS also highlighted strong performance in its growth markets.

K Krithivasan, CEO and Managing Director of TCS, said, “Amidst an uncertain geopolitical situation, our biggest vertical, BFSI, showed signs of recovery. We also saw a strong performance in our Growth Markets. We stay focused on sharpening our value proposition to our clients, employees, and other stakeholders.”

In constant currency terms, the company’s revenue grew by 5.5% year-on-year during the June to September period. However, its operating margin for the quarter declined slightly by 0.2%, reaching 24.1%.

Key growth drivers

The company’s growth was mainly led by the energy, resources, and utilities segment, which grew by 7%. The manufacturing sector also performed well, with a 5.3% rise. Other segments such as BFSI, consumer, and life sciences saw a marginal growth of 0.1% each.

However, the technology and media services sectors experienced a 10% decline in constant currency terms, reflecting challenges in these areas.

Samir Seksaria, CFO of TCS, said, “We made strategic investments this quarter in talent and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth. Our disciplined execution resulted in superior cash conversion. Our longer-term cost structures remain unchanged, and we remain confident in our ability to continue delivering industry-leading profitable growth.”

Shares of Tata Group companies rose on Thursday, with Tata Chemicals and Tata Teleservices emerging as top performers, rising up to 10 per cent. Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who played a pivotal role in transforming the group into a global conglomerate passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 86.
“Investors can pay tribute to Ratan Tata and the great corporate empire he built by buying stocks like TCS, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consumer and Indian Hotels.Ratan Tata, while pursuing the group’s growth, contributed substantially to India’s growth and millions of ordinary investors gained from the great man’s vision,” PTI quoted V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services saying.
On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Tata Investment Corporation’s stock surged 10.47 per cent to Rs 7,235.80, Tata Chemicals rose 6.26 per cent to Rs 1,174.85, Tata Teleservices Maharashtra climbed 5.84 per cent to Rs 83.77, Tata Elxsi gained 3.37 per cent to Rs 7,867.80, and Tata Power increased by 2.56 per cent to Rs 472.70.
Also Read | Who is Noel Tata? Meet Ratan Tata’s half-brother, who could be successor at Tata Trusts
Additionally, shares of Tata Technologies, Rallis India, Nelco, Tejas Networks, TajGVK Hotels & Resorts, and Indian Hotels & Company also experienced gains.
However, not all Tata Group companies saw positive movement. Trent, the group’s retail firm, slipped 0.90 per cent to Rs 8,146.35, Titan fell 0.81 per cent to Rs 3,465.80, and Tata Motors declined by 0.40 per cent to Rs 935.35 per share.
Despite these few exceptions, the overall sentiment remained bullish.
Vijayakumar emphasized that investors should take a cue from the growth of the Tata empire and understand the importance of a long-term investment horizon to truly benefit from the wealth creation opportunities presented by the capital market. He noted that even in a bull market, valuation concerns may persist.
Also Read | When Narayana Murthy touched Ratan Tata’s feet
In light of Ratan Tata’s demise, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has cancelled its scheduled press conference on Thursday evening, which was intended to announce the company’s second quarter performance.
However, TCS will still inform the exchanges about its July-September performance after the board meeting, as originally planned. The call with analysts at 7 pm will also proceed as scheduled.
The last rites of Ratan Tata are set to take place after 4 pm on Thursday at Worli in central Mumbai.

The Tata family, a powerful name in the global corporate sector, has long been symbolized with more than just industrial success. Beyond its corporate achievements, the Tata family is significantly rooted in philanthropic principles, creativity, and a strong dedication to societal improvement. With the tragic passing of Ratan Tata, the beloved industrialist, it is important to look deeper into the rich history and legacy of the Tata family, a name synonymous with trust, leadership, and commitment to India’s progress.

Image: Tata trusts

It all started with Jamsetji Tata

Jamsetji Tata was the founder of the Tata Group. He was more than a businessman; he was a visionary with a commitment to India’s prosperity. Born in 1839 in Navsari, Gujarat, Jamsetji envisioned industries that would not only fuel economic growth but also be beneficial for the welfare of the Indian people. His pioneering ventures in textiles, steel, and hydroelectric power laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest conglomerates.

Hirabai Daboo Tata

Hirabai Daboo was Jamsetji Tata‘s wife and companion on his journey to establish the Tata dynasty. Together, they created a family that would eventually bear the mantle of leadership for generations. Her sons, Sir Dorabji Tata and Ratanji Tata, played vital parts in establishing the Tata Group’s future.

Sir Dorabji Tata

Sir Dorabji Tata, the elder son of Jamsetji, played his role in realizing his father’s dreams. Born in 1859, Dorabji not only expanded the Tata Group’s business ventures but also made extraordinary contributions to Indian sports and philanthropy. He was instrumental in setting up Tata Steel and investing in the Indian team’s participation in the Olympics, showcasing his diverse interests.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group ventured into industries like steel, electricity, and power, solidifying the group’s presence across sectors.

Image: Tata trusts

Meherbai Bhabha Tata

Meherbai Bhabha, Dorabji Tata’s wife, was a supporter of women’s education and social reform. She was an intelligent and kind woman who pushed for women’s education and opposed social problems such as child marriage. Her marriage to Dorabji in 1898 resulted in a life of travel and exploration, but her heart was always dedicated to societal improvement. Meherbai’s early death in 1931 left a legacy of empowerment, particularly among Indian women.

Sir Ratan Tata

Sir Ratan Tata, born in 1871, was the younger son of Jamsetji and carried forward the family’s tradition of philanthropy. Known for his deep concern for the underprivileged, Ratan Tata’s contributions ranged from supporting Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-apartheid movement to funding India’s first archaeological excavation. His immense wealth, much of which he donated, led to the establishment of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, a premier philanthropic institution that continues to uplift society.
His love for the arts and commitment to research saw him contribute to the development of Mumbai’s Prince of Wales Museum and establish a chair for poverty research at the London School of Economics. Sir Ratan Tata’s legacy is deeply intertwined with India’s progress, particularly in the fields of education and social welfare.

Navajbai Ratan Tata

Navajbai Sett, Sir Ratan Tata’s wife, was a pioneer in her own right. Following her husband’s death, she took over the reins of the Ratan Tata Trust and became a powerful figure within the Tata family. She established the Ratan Tata Institute, which provided vocational training and support for underprivileged women. Her influence extended into the arts and philanthropy.

Image: Tata Group

Naval Tata

Naval Tata, an adopted son of the Tata family, was a cornerstone in the Tata Group’s leadership. Born in 1904, Naval was known for his leadership in Tata Steel and his contributions to labour relations, where he nurtured harmony between workers and management. Naval Tata’s tenure with the Tata Group spanned decades, and his impact on Indian hockey and his work in labour policies were particularly notable.
His second marriage to Simone Dunoyer brought her into the Tata fold, where she became a transformative figure in the beauty industry by founding Lakmé.

Sooni Commissariat

Sooni Commissariat, the first wife of Naval Tata, was the mother of Ratan Tata and Jimmy Tata. After her marriage, Sooni embraced the Tata name. Her life was marked by deep connections with the Tata family, including a close friendship with Meherbai Bhabha. Naval Tata and Sooni separated their ways when Ratan Tata was just 10 year old.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital. (Photo: Instagram @Ratantata)

Ratan Naval Tata

Ratan Naval Tata, the most recent head of the Tata Group, led the conglomerate through a period of immense global expansion. Born in 1937, Ratan Tata was the grandson of Sir Ratan Tata and son of Naval Tata. After studying at Harvard and Cornell, he joined the Tata Group, where he eventually took over as Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his leadership, the group acquired major international brands further solidifying the Tata Group’s position on the global stage.
He was not just known for his business skills but also his philanthropy. Ratan Tata’s contributions to education, healthcare, and rural development are as vast as his corporate achievements.

Jimmy Tata

Jimmy Tata, the younger brother of Ratan Tata, is a figure known for his simplicity and privacy. Despite being part of the prominent Tata family, Jimmy lives a modest life, residing in a 2BHK apartment and choosing not to own a mobile phone.
Although Jimmy holds significant stakes in Tata companies, such as Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and TCS, he avoids the limelight. His private nature has kept him out of media attention, though he shares a strong bond with his elder brother Ratan Tata.

Noel Tata

Noel Tata

Noel Tata, the son of Simone Dunoyer and Naval Tata, is another important character in the Tata family’s story. As a retail industry expert, Noel Tata was instrumental in the growth of Trent, the parent company of Westside outlets. His leadership within the Tata Group guarantees that the family maintains its influence in a variety of industries.

Leah Tata

Leah Tata, one of Noel Tata’s daughters, is emerging as a prominent figure within the Tata Group. After completing her education at the IE Business School in Spain, Leah took on significant roles in the group’s hospitality arm, particularly with the Indian Hotels Company and Taj Hotels. She has been instrumental in driving the global expansion of Tata’s hospitality businesses.

Maya Tata

Maya Tata, another daughter of Noel Tata, has established herself within the Tata Group’s digital and investment ventures. With academic credentials from Bayes Business School and Warwick University, Maya has played a very important role in the Tata Opportunities Fund and Tata Digital. One of her major achievements includes her leadership in the development and launch of Tata Neu.

Neville Tata

Neville Tata, the son of Noel Tata, is currently leading the retail arm of the Tata Group. As the head of Star Bazaar, a major retail chain operated under Trent Limited, Neville has demonstrated strong business acumen and leadership skills. His role in overseeing the operations of Star Bazaar has reinforced his position as a crucial figure in the Tata retail business.

Ratan Tata, who passed away on late October 9 at the age of 86, had succeeded J R D as the chairman of the Tata Sons in 1991. Since then, the company has touched new heights as it witnessed a number of major international and domestic deals under him. The deals have transformed the Tata group into one of India’s biggest conglomerates. Here are some of the major deals signed during his era:

1. Acquisition of Tetley Tea (2000)

Tata Tea (now Tata Consumer Products) acquired the British tea company Tetley for $450 million in 2000, making Tata one of the largest tea companies globally. This was one of the first major international acquisitions by an Indian company and marked the start of Ratan Tata’s global expansion strategy.

2. Acquisition of Corus Steel (2007)

Tata Steel’s acquisition of Corus, a UK-based steel producer, in 2007 for $12.9 billion was one of the largest acquisitions by an Indian company at the time. This deal made Tata Steel one of the top-10 steel producers in the world and showcased Ratan Tata’s vision of creating a global conglomerate.

Also Read: Ratan Tata: From Education to Philanthropy, Everything You Need to Know About The Man Behind Tata Legacy

3. Acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) (2008)

The acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover from Ford was a pivotal moment for Tata Motors. The deal was valued at $2.3 billion. Despite initial skepticism, this global acquisition has been proved to be a major success, transforming Tata Motors into a global player in the automotive sector and rejuvenating the iconic British luxury brands.

4. Acquisition of Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (2004)

Tata Motors acquired Daewoo’s commercial vehicle unit in South Korea for $102 million, which significantly strengthened Tata’s presence in the global commercial vehicle market. This acquisition gave Tata access to advanced truck-making technology and helped it expand into new markets.

5. Acquisition of NatSteel (2004)

As part of the group’s global deals, Tata Steel acquired NatSteel, a steelmaker based in Singapore, for $486 million, to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia. This was part of Ratan Tata’s strategy to expand Tata Steel’s operations globally, especially in emerging markets.

6. Acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton Boston Hotel (2006)

Tata’s Indian Hotels Company (Taj Hotels) acquired The Ritz-Carlton Boston, a luxury hotel in the US for an estimated $170 million in 2006, which helped expand the Taj luxury brand globally. This acquisition was part of the group’s push to establish a significant presence in the global hospitality industry.

7. Joint Venture with Starbucks (2012)

In a landmark deal, Tata Global Beverages (now Tata Consumer Products) signed a joint venture with US-based Starbucks to launch Starbucks outlets in India. This partnership helped Tata enter the booming Indian coffee retail market, which has seen significant growth in the years since.

8. Acquisition of Brunner Mond (2006)

At £90 million, Tata Chemicals acquired Brunner Mond, a UK-based soda ash producer. This deal helped Tata Chemicals become one of the largest soda ash manufacturers globally, reinforcing its presence in international markets.

9. Acquisition of BigBasket (2021)

Though Ratan Tata retired in 2012 as the chairman, he remained Chairman Emeritus of the Tata group. The Tata group became the owner of BigBasket in May 2021. Natarajan Chandrasekaran was the chairman of the Tata Sons.

Also Read: From Jamshedji to Ratan Tata: The Family Tree of India’s Pioneering Business Conglomerate

Tata Digital acquired a majority stake in BigBasket, an Indian online grocery platform, marking Tata’s entry into the growing e-commerce space.

10. Acquisition of 1MG (2021)

Tata Digital also acquired a majority stake in 1MG, an online pharmacy, as part of its broader push into digital healthcare.

11. Reacquisition of Air India (2022)

In 2022, Tata Sons won the bid to reacquire Air India from the Indian government for Rs 18,000 crore. The Tata group chairman was Natarajan Chandrasekaran, while Ratan Tata was Chairman Emeritus. The airline had originally been founded by J.R.D. Tata, but was nationalized in 1953. This was a landmark moment as Tata brought the iconic airline back into its fold.

12. BSNL 4G Deal (2023)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) secured a contract worth Rs 26,821 crore to provide 4G equipment to BSNL for its nationwide network upgrade. This deal is crucial for BSNL’s modernization efforts.

13. Proposed Merger with ThyssenKrupp (2018 – Aborted)

Apart from these deals, Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp proposed a joint venture to combine their European steel operations in 2018. This deal was meant to create Europe’s second-largest steelmaker but was called off in 2019 due to regulatory issues.

Veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata died at the age of 86 late on Wednesday. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital since Monday due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and was in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

In his official statement, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said Ratan Tata was a “truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation”. He said Tata was more than a chairperson for the Tata Group, and was a “mentor, guide and friend” to him.