After a majority of trustees voted against his reappointment to the boards of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mehli Mistry, a close friend of Ratan Tata, is leaving Tata Trusts. Mistry will resign from the Tata Trusts’ governing boards after three of the six trustees opposed his renomination in a circular resolution that was distributed last week.
According to sources, former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, TVS Group chairman Venu Srinivasan, and Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata were the three trustees that opposed his reappointment. Darius Khambata and Pramit Jhaveri voted in favour of Mistry’s continuation at the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, while Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir did the same at the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. The split ruling, which ends Mehli Mistry’s official affiliation with two of India’s most significant philanthropic organisations, highlights the widening gaps in the trusts’ leadership about appointments and governance issues.
Tata Trusts’ Internal Rift Lead to Mehli’s Exit
Mistry’s current three-year tenure as a trustee ends on October 28. He was first inducted in 2022. The most recent suggestion is made in the midst of rumoured internal divisions within Tata Trusts, with one side reportedly supporting Chairman Noel Tata and another group led by Mistry and consisting of supporters of Ratan Tata.
The most influential stakeholder in the company is the Tata Trusts, which together own 66% of Tata Sons. With Mehli Mistry’s support, Tata Trusts unanimously reappointed Venu Srinivasan as a lifetime trustee earlier this week. Mistry backed Srinivasan’s reappointment as a trustee of Tata Trusts, as did trustees Pramit Jhaveri, Jehangir H.C. Jehangir, and Darius Khambata.
They did, however, include a crucial requirement: majority consent is required for any subsequent trustee renewals. They cautioned that their permissions would be revoked if there was not unanimous agreement. Voting was never a possibility within the Trusts during Ratan Tata’s leadership. Traditionally, decisions were made by consensus and group agreement; however, this approach is currently being examined in light of indications of internal conflict.
Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh Opposed Mistry’s Reappointment
Mistry had the backing of trustees Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambatta, and Jehangir H.C. Jehangir, although Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh were apparently against his continuing. A month ago, a group of four trustees led by Mehli Mistry objected to Vijay Singh’s reappointment as a nominee director on the board of Tata Sons, the firm’s main holding company. This was the most recent flashpoint.
A rare and visible indication of discontent among one of India’s most prestigious corporate institutions, the decision caused an unusual split (3-4) within the Tata Trusts. The second week of September 2025 saw Singh’s resignation from the Tata Sons board. Singh needed the support of both Srinivasan and Noel Tata, but it was insufficient because all Tata Trust actions must be approved unanimously.
The significant division among the trustees was revealed when Srinivasan and Tata resisted Mistry’s candidature for the Tata Sons board. There is no chance that Noel will change his mind about turning down Mistry’s application for a Tata Sons board membership, according to people familiar with the situation.
Quick Shots
•Mehli Mistry, a close confidant of Ratan Tata, has
been voted out of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust boards.
•The decision came after three of six trustees
opposed his reappointment in a circular resolution last week.
•This marks the end of Mistry’s official association
with Tata Trusts, key shareholders owning 66% of Tata Sons.
•Trustees Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay
Singh voted against Mistry’s reappointment.
The reappointment of trustee Mehli Mistry, whose term expires on October 28, is unlikely to be approved by Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, vice chairman Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh, several persons close to the issue informed ET. On 27 October, the trustees may communicate their choice.
This week is Mistry’s renewal vote. Mistry has served as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) since 2022. Together, the two trusts own 51% of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. Siddharth Sharma, the CEO of Tata Trusts, moved a resolution on Friday to extend his tenure. According to sources, Jehangir HC Jehangir, Pramit Jhaveri, and trustee Darius Khambata have all agreed.
According to insiders, the dispute over his reappointment may lead to legal challenges. Mistry was perceived as hostile against chairman Noel Tata and the other nominated directors on the Tata Sons board, including Singh and Srinivasan.
Tata Trust Has Become a New Battle Ground
At Tata Trusts, trustee appointments, like other choices, are typically made by consensus. About a year after the passing of long-time patriarch Ratan Tata, on September 11, the trustees defied tradition by voting by majority to remove former defence secretary Vijay Singh as a nominated director on the Tata Sons board. That started a series of events that brought the infighting at India’s most prominent public trusts to the attention of the entire country.
It’s unclear if a majority vote can be used to reappoint a trustee in the event of disagreements or if a unanimous decision is needed. According to insiders, this is new ground for the trusts because, in the decades prior to Ratan Tata’s leadership of the organisation, trust decisions were not put to a vote.
Trust affairs are decided by a combination of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act regulations, the trust deed (or the will by which the trust was established, as in the case of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, founded in 1916), and resolutions passed by trustees from time to time. This is in contrast to companies, whose governance is standardised under the Companies Act and other applicable laws. According to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust’s 1932 trust deed, “the decision of a majority of the trustees present at a meeting shall bind the minority,” and a quorum necessitates three trustees.
Recent Resolution by Tata Trust Trustees
Additionally, there is a more recent resolution that is pertinent. The “moment of transition between two eras” was marked by the trustees’ meeting on October 17, nine days following Ratan Tata’s passing. They committed to the founding fathers’ vision and ethos and agreed to act in concert and in support of the trusts’ goals and objectives.
According to the resolution, a copy of which ET has examined, they determined that all trustees will be reappointed by the relevant trust at the expiration of their term, with no time limit placed on the term of such reappointment. This implies that all trustees will have their terms extended for life. However, the resolution does not include enough details about the process by which this will be accomplished.
According to ET, Mistry, a close friend of the late Ratan Tata, conditionally approved Srinivasan’s reappointment as vice chairman and trustee of SDTT last week. Late on October 21, he sent an email requesting reciprocity in the extension of his own tenure. His email appeared to recognise that a unanimous trustee decision is necessary for reappointment for life.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mehli’s response asserted that I do not formally approve the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan in the event that any trustee chooses not to pass this resolution or an identical unanimous resolution for all other trustees as and when their respective tenures expire.
Quick Shots
•Mehli Mistry’s tenure ends on October 28, 2025; a decision on
renewal is expected on October 27.
•Mistry has served as trustee of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT)
and Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) since 2022.
•Differences over the reappointment process may trigger legal
challenges within the trusts.
•Disagreement persists over whether majority or unanimous
consent is needed to reappoint trustees for life.
Days before Mehli Mistry’s three-year tenure is to get over, Tata Trusts has suggested re-appointing him as a lifetime trustee, according to a PTI report on 23 October. On October 28, Mistry’s tenure at the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the two main trusts that own the majority of Tata Sons, comes to an end. The reappointment attempt coincides with rumours of a split among the trustees over their terms, with some allegedly siding with Mistry, who is perceived as a loyalist to Ratan Tata, and others with Noel Tata, who took over as chairman following the latter’s passing.
Mistry’s Connection with Shapoorji Pallonji family
Additionally, Mistry is linked to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, who own about 18% of Tata Sons, the holding company of the software-to-salt conglomerate. The plan comes after business magnate Venu Srinivasan was named a lifetime trustee earlier this week.
Srinivasan’s reappointment as trustee and vice-chairman of Tata Trusts was approved by Mistry and three other trustees, Pramit Jhaveri, Jehangir HC Jehangir, and Darius Khambata, according to PTI, which cited sources. However, under the condition that all future trustee renewals be approved unanimously, failing which their approvals would be withdrawn.
The demand from the Mistry camp reveals a disagreement among trustees on how to interpret the lifetime trusteeship resolution that was adopted following Ratan Tata’s passing last year. According to a Business Standard report, one party contends that lifelong trusteeship ought to happen automatically at the conclusion of a trustee’s term, while another group feels that a trustee’s tenure must be extended before obtaining lifetime status.
The Resolution of Lifetime Membership
According to the resolution authorising lifetime trusteeship, a trustee will be reappointed by the relevant trust upon the expiration of their term, with no time limit on the reappointment, in compliance with the law, a source told Business Standard. As Tata Trusts manages leadership changes in the wake of Ratan Tata’s death, the problem highlights a broader discussion about governance, continuity, and legacy inside the organisation.
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust are two of the charitable trusts that are under the management of Tata Trusts. Additionally, the organisation owns a 66% share in Tata Sons, the primary holding company that owns stock in every Tata Group company.
The report states that the original meeting, which took place on October 17, 2024, decided that a trustee’s term should be extended by the trust in question, with no time limit on this appointment.
A trustee would violate the commitment and be unfit to serve at “Tata Trusts by such conduct,” according to the report, if they decide to vote against this resolution.
Quick Shots
•Tata
Trusts has proposed reappointing Mehli Mistry as a lifetime trustee, days
before his three-year term ends on October 28.
•The
proposal covers the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the two
major trusts holding a 66% stake in Tata Sons.
•Reports
suggest differences among trustees—some supporting Mistry (seen as a Ratan
Tata loyalist), others backing Noel Tata.
•The lifetime trustee resolution
allows reappointment without time limits, as per legal compliance.
Despite internal strife among the organisation’s divisions, Venu Srinivasan was overwhelmingly reappointed as a trustee for life by Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group, according to a report by news agency PTI on October 21, 2025. At a time when Tata Trusts’ workforce is vertically divided, Venu Srinivasan’s reappointment occurs just before his term ends on October 23, 2025.
Two factions support Mehli Mistry, who has connections to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, and Noel Tata, who assumed leadership upon Ratan Tata’s death. The agency was informed by those with knowledge of the development that there was unanimous support for Srinivasan’s reappointment. Tata Trust, however, declined to answer the news agency’s questions.
Reappointment of Mehli Mistry Might be on the Cards
Now that Venu Srinivasan has been reappointed, attention is turning to Mehli Mistry, whose tenure as a trustee ends on October 28, 2025, being reappointed. The report states that the unanimous consent of the trustees for the lifetime tenure appointment will be necessary for Mistry to be reappointed and continue serving as a trustee.
According to a news agency report, in accordance with previous practice, a unanimous vote is needed for both renewal and a new appointment. Unanimous consent is needed for renewal, after which it will be permanent. Additionally, they stated that all trustees are automatically reappointed.
Operations of Tata Trust
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust are two of the charitable trusts that are under the management of Tata Trusts. Additionally, the organisation owns a 66% share in Tata Sons, the primary holding company that owns stock in every Tata Group company.
The report states that the original meeting, which took place on October 17, 2024, decided that a trustee’s term should be extended by the trust in question, with no time limit on this appointment.
A trustee would violate the commitment and be unfit to serve at “Tata Trusts by such conduct,” according to the report, if they decide to vote against this resolution. Over 18% of Tata Sons, the holding company for all Tata Group firms, is owned by the Shapoorji Pallonji family.
Quick Shots
•Venu
Srinivasan reappointed as lifetime trustee of Tata Trusts on October 21,
2025.
•The
decision comes amid internal divisions within the organisation.
•Two
factions reportedly exist — one aligned with Mehli Mistry (linked to
Shapoorji Pallonji family) and the other with Noel Tata.
•Srinivasan’s
term was set to end on October 23, 2025, but trustees gave unanimous support
for lifetime reappointment.
•Tata Trusts declined to comment on
the internal developments.
Noel Tata, recently cataloged in the media as Ratan Tata’s half-brother, has silently carved out a significant niche for himself in the oceanic Tata Empire. Overshadowed by the more prominent figures in the family like Ratan Tata, Noel’s contributions to the Tata Group’s success and commitment to social causes have been instrumental in shaping the conglomerate’s retail division and enduring legacy.
Born into the family of legends, Noel Tata joined the Tata Group in 1999 and took over Trent, the retail arm of the huge empire. Under his strategic leadership, Trent came to the forefront of India’s gigantic retail market, diversifying its offering and expanding its footprint. A man of few words with keen business acumen, Noel has played a quintessential role in various Tata ventures, ranging from retail to hospitality.
From his initial days at Tata Industries to becoming the Chairman of Tata International, let us uncover Noel’s challenges and lessons learned in life along the way. Learn about Noel Tata, his education, career, family, and more from this article.
Noel Tata – Biography
Name
Noel Naval Tata
Born
December 1957
Nationality
Indian-born Irish Citizen
Hometown
Mumbai, India
Education
University of Sussex, England INSEAD Business School, France
Position
Chairman Tata Trust Chairman Trent and Tata Corporation Chairman, Non-Executive Director Tata International Vice Chairman Titan Company and Tata Steel Non-Executive Director, Tata Sons
Noel Tata was born with a golden spoon to the legendary Naval Tata and Simone Tata (née Dunoyer) in December 1957. Even though he was born with a golden spoon, Noel’s upbringing has been through understated channels, laying a foundation of benevolence.
His early education was completed in Mumbai, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich culture and tradition that posed a strong foundation of Tata family values. To pursue higher education, Noel flew to England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.
To further polish his business acumen, Noel enrolled in the International Executive Program (IEP) at INSEAD Business School in France. His academic journey in England and France helped him acquire a global perspective on business management.
Noel Tata – Career
Noel Tata started his career with the Tata Group in foundational roles and steadily grew through the ranks, demonstrating his leadership skills, and innovative approach and gaining the trust of the vast conglomerate.
His first step in the group was at Tata International, the global trading division of Tata Group, and eventually, he became its Managing Director in 2010. Under his affluent leadership, Tata International diversified to multiple segments like engineering, leather, and metal, creating a global presence. Noel has been the brain behind strengthening the company’s international footprint, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia.
In June 1999, he became the Managing Director of Trent, Tata Group’s retail arm, started by Noel’s mother, Simon Tata. Trent operates retail chains like Westside, Star Bazaar, and Zudio. Under his stewardship, Trent saw substantial growth, with its shares skyrocketing over 6000%. In 2014, he became the Chairman of Trent, with Westside and Zudio becoming major players in India’s fashion retail market.
Seeing his leadership qualities in 2003, Noel was appointed as the Director of Titan Industries and Voltas. In 2018, he was raised to the rank of Vice Chairman for Titan Industries, and in March 2022, he became the Vice Chairman of Tata Steel.
Noel Tata was embraced as one of the board members of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust in February 2019, and soon after the demise of his brother, on October 11th, 2024, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Tata Trust, which holds a stake of 66% in Tata Sons, the parent company.
In a historic move, Noel Tata joined the board of Tata Sons on November 4, 2024, as a nominee of Tata Trusts, marking the first time since 2011 that a Tata family member serves on both boards. His appointment is in line with Tata Sons’ Articles of Association, allowing Tata Trusts to nominate one-third of the directors on the board.
Noel Tata with wife Aloo Mistry and Daughter Leah Mistry
Noel Tata is married to Aloo Mistry, the daughter of another prominent businessman in India, Pallonji Mistry. Pallonji Mistry has been associated with Tata Group since time immemorial and owns a substantial stake in Tata Sons as the single largest shareholder.
Noel and Aloo have three children, one son, Neville Tata, and two daughters, Leah Tata and Maya Tata. His family life is a reflection of his reserved personality; grounded, private, and away from the public eye. Balancing his professional responsibilities with his personal life, Noel has maintained a quiet yet resilient presence both in the business and family spheres.
Noel Tata – Journey So Far!
Despite speculations in the business world about him succeeding his half-brother, Ratan Tata, as the head of Tata Sons, his brother-in-law Cyrus Mistry was declared as the successor of Ratan Tata in 2011. However, Cyrus was removed from the Chairmanship of Tata Sons in October 2016, and the role went back to Ratan Tata until February 2017.
However, even through this family chaos, Noel remained unimpacted and continued to influence the group’s retail and international operations. His leadership extended further when he took on an influential role within Tata Trusts, which control the majority of shares in Tata Sons.
Noel Tata’s undeniable contributions have coagulated his status in the Tata Group, leaving a mark as a forward-thinker. His hard work as the leading light of Tata International and Trent has substantially contributed to Tata Group’s global expansion, showcasing his commitment towards the legacy and future of Tata Sons.
Despite his dominance across various Tata Group arms, he chose to uphold a quiet presence in the media compared to other Tata family members. Currently, Noel Tata remains a key figure in the operations and governance of the Tata Group, actively taking the Tata family’s legacy to global podia.
Noel’s connection to the Mistry family through his wife, Aloo Mistry, further solidifies his presence within the group, with his children also playing active roles within Tata Trusts. Over the years, Noel Tata has emerged as a key figure shaping the future of the Tata Group, especially following Ratan Tata’s exit from active leadership due to his grief.
Noel Tata may be understated in the media as compared to Ratan Tata, but his achievements have no denying when talking about making Tata Group’s retail and international businesses enduring success.
As the Chairman of Trent, Noel spearheaded the growth of the Westside retail chain, turning it into a profitable and leading retail brand in India and multiplying its shares to over 6000%. He also played a crucial role in expanding the Tata Group’s global footprint, especially through Tata International. Under his leadership as a Managing Director from 2010 to 2021, he raised revenues from $500 million to $3 billion.
To add to his list of achievements, he has held multiple leadership roles in Tata Group, including Vice Chairman of Titan Company and Tata Steel. Noel has now been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Trust to lead the company, after the late Ratan Tata, which oversees a 66% stake in Tata Sons. His current role in Tata Trust solidifies his position within the Tata Group, shutting the mouths of many who doubted his capabilities.
FAQs
Who is Noel Tata?
Noel Naval Tata is a businessman with roots in both India and Ireland. He holds important positions in several Tata companies. He is the newly appointed chairman of Tata Trusts, Trent, and Tata Investment Corporation. He is also the managing director of Tata International and the vice chairman of Titan Company and Tata Steel.
Who is the wife of Noel Tata?
Aloo Mistry, daughter of Pallonji Mistry is the wife of Noel Tata.
What is the net worth of Noel Tata?
The net worth of Noel Tata is $1.5 billion as of 2024.
There is hardly anyone in India, who doesn’t know Ratan Tata. Ratan Tata is a well-known and one of the most respected and influential businessmen in the country. He was the former chairman of Tata Sons. He is known for his simple lifestyle and has contributed to the growth of TaTa Group immensely.
From the moment Ratan Tata resigned as the chairman of Tata groups on his 75th birthday, he has been looking out for interesting start-ups to invest in. Ratan Tata has always been a philanthropist and has provided innumerable contributions to various charities throughout his lifetime.
With his new look into the developing startup culture in India, various small start-ups have enquired about how to seek Ratan Tata for investment opportunities. Hundreds of small companies with innovative ideas seek the assistance of the Tata trust for a chance to develop their idea into full-fledged companies. In this article, we will talk about how to raise funds from Ratan Tata. So, let’s take a look at them.
Why Do Startups Look for the Support of Ratan Tata?
The basic reason for any startup to look for big investors is to source funds for their day-to-day activities and also to offer scalability for their products or services. But with the former chairman of Tata groups backing a company for investment, there is something more than just money that the company gets.
The trust and confidence of the people and other investors is the major gain the company gets when it is backed by Tata groups. This provides the company with a unique endorsement that sets it apart from its peers in the same field. It also gives enough traction and publicity for the business without any spending on the promotion of its products or services.
The last and most important part of it is the experience that one gets from the suggestions provided by the former chairman of Tata groups. As it rubs off, the company can look for guidance from the industry giant which gives them a huge leap in business.
There are a few ways that can be used to gain the attention of Ratan Tata regarding investment opportunities. Some of the classical ways are as follows:
1. The easiest way to connect with Ratan Tata would be to speak with someone from Tata Trust that is in charge of dealing with requests for investments. This way can take a long time to get a reply and the process is tedious.
2. The next way would be to use a formally edited e-mail stating the purpose of the mail. It is also necessary to ensure that the idea or request can be clearly understood so that it can be forwarded to Ratan Tata himself if it is worth his time. Some of the e-mail addresses that can be corresponded to are srtt- @tatatrusts.org, rntata@tata.com, rnt@tata.com, or talktous@tatatrusts.org.
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3. Alternatively, contacting Venkatramanan from Tata Trust would give a chance to meet Ratan Tata for presenting the idea. This idea is better and also more professional as all proposals are directed to him before shortlisting the ideas that are worth mentioning to Ratan Tata.
4. The best way to get in touch with the former Tata group chairman would be to write a letter explaining the idea and reasons for seeking investment. Talking about the risks and the opportunities that the idea provides will provide an edge over the thousands of ideas that are directed at him for investment. Since Ratan Tata is a simplistic, down-to-earth person, writing a letter also appeals to the approach. He is one of the popular Angel investors for a reason.
Industries That Have Received Investment From Tata Trusts
Few Companies funded by Ratan Tata
Tata groups have never been confined to one sector or industry under the guidance of Ratan Tata as chairman of the group. The same is followed by the Indian industry giant when he invests in startups and companies. The investment portfolio is never limited to just the tech industry. He looks into ideas that improve the standard of life or provide services that lead to new solutions for existing problems.
Let us take a look at the different companies in each industry that have received backing from the former chairman of Tata groups.
E-commerce
The e-commerce industry is the fastest growing technology-based industry since 2005. The business ideas that received backing from Mr Tata in the e-commerce sector are Snapdeal, Urban Ladder, CarDekho, Paytm, Bluestone, Firstcry, and Zivame. All of these companies were backed by Tata trusts between 2014 and 2016.
Digital Payments
Payment gateways are an important part of any online business nowadays. So, innovative ideas in this field were also backed by Tata groups since 2015. The US-based digital payment transfer company Abra and the Indian cashback and coupon site Cashkaro were the 2 companies supported by Tata in this sector.
On-Demand services
The use of On-demand services has become extensive and is growing more each day due to the busy work schedules of people. Ratan Tata has not left a stone unturned even in this sector. Popular companies like Ola and UrbanClap were once start-ups that were backed by Ratan Tata. Holachef is also a start-up that was supported by Tata Trust way back in 2015 when food-tech startups were emerging in the Indian Market.
Electricals
The Coimbatore-based company Ampere received funding from Tata Trusts in 2015. The company manufactures e-cycles, e-scooters, and special purpose waste management vehicles for the government. Various companies in other sectors and industries like Mobile Tech, Media, Healthcare, etc. also received funding and investment opportunities from the Tata Group.
Conclusion
The most important factor that is needed for the survival of a startup is funds. One can look for investors to invest in their business. Ratan Tata with enthusiasm invested in startups and small businesses that look promising. Through Ratan Tata, you not only get funds for your startups but also it brings a good reputation and somewhat creates a hood image of your company.
FAQs
Who is Ratan Tata?
Ratan Tata is an Indian Businessman and was the former chairman of Tata Sons.
Does Ratan Tata invest on Startups?
Ratan has invested in over 3o startups till now and is known for his generosity.
