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.
If you live in India then it is impossible to not have an idea of what Tata does and what it is. The commodities of Tata Group can be found anywhere and everywhere all over the country. From vehicles to salt, it has become a household name all over India; in fact, not only in India, it has become a well-known brand in the whole world. This multinational company is ruling the hearts of people for over 150 years and with the way it is expanding and performing, it is not going to stop anytime soon.
Tata is not offering you a single component, this multinational company is offering you multiple things, and they have something to provide to the people in every industry. Tata Group first started its journey in the year 1868, Jamsetji Tata was the founder, and it is one of the oldest and largest industrial groups in India.
All the companies that Tata Group owns are independently operated, they have different boards of directors and shareholders and the company works under their management. Wondering, how many companies does Tata own?
Read this article to learn about all the companies owned by Tata, the multinational giant. So let’s get started.
“I have been constantly telling people to encourage people, to question the unquestioned and not to be ashamed to bring up new ideas, new processes to get things done.” – Ratan Tata
Tata Chemicals is a well-renowned player in the chemical industry. It was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Its operations are spread across India, North America, and Africa. It has the third-largest soda ash production plant capacity in India.
Tata Steel Limited
Tata Owned Company
Tata Steel Limited
Founded
1907
Current CEO
Thachat Viswanath Narendran
Website
Tatasteel.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Steel Limited
Tata Steel is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes annually. It is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the globe. It is based in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Tata Coffee Limited
Tata Owned Company
Tata Coffee Limited
Founded
1922
Current CEO
Chacko Purackal Thomas
Website
Tatacoffee.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Coffee Limited
Tata Coffee traces its origins back to 1922 when it was formed through the merger of two plantation companies. It became part of the Tata Group companies and was officially renamed Tata Coffee Limited in 2000. The integration of Tata Coffee into Tata Consumer Products signifies a transformative change in its business strategy, designed to harness the synergies within the Tata Group and boost growth in the increasingly competitive beverage sector. Tata Starbucks was founded in 2012 and is a joint venture between Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks Corporation.
Tata Trent, one of the Tata companies is the retail subsidiary of Tata Group, founded in 1998. Trent operates various retail formats, including Westside, Zudio, Star Bazaar, and Landmark. These formats cater to different segments of the Indian market. It is headquartered in Mumbai.
Tata Communications
Tata Owned Company
Tata Communications
Founded
1936
Current CEO
Amur Lakshminarayanan
Website
Tatacommunications.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Communications
Tata Communications Limited, one of the Tata companies, originally known as Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), is a prominent Indian telecommunications company. Before being acquired by the Tata Group in 2002, it operated as a government-owned entity, overseen by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, and the Government of India. The privatization occurred under the leadership of the Third Vajpayee Ministry, marking a significant shift from public to private ownership. It is headquartered in Mumbai.
Tata Play
Tata Owned Company
Tata Play
Founded
2006
Current CEO
Harit Nagpal
Website
Tataplay.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Play
Tata Play, one of the Tata Companies is an Indian subscription-based satellite television (DTH) service provider, that utilizes MPEG-4 digital compression technology and broadcasts via the INSAT-4A, GSAT-10, and GSAT-24 satellites. Established in 2005, Tata Play currently offers over 630 channels, including 543 SD channels and 91 HD channels, along with a variety of value-added services. It is the largest DTH provider in India. As of March 2023, Tata Play serves 21.3 million subscribers, accounting for 32.65% of the total DTH user base in the country, according to TRAI data. It is headquartered in Mumbai.
Tata Teleservices
Tata Owned Company
Tata Teleservices
Founded
1996
Current CEO
Harjit Singh
Website
Tatatelebusiness.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Teleservices
Tata Teleservices, a Tata enterprise, is a leading provider of telecommunications services in India headquartered in Mumbai, offering fixed-line telephony, broadband, and enterprise solutions for both retail and business customers. The company focuses on voice, data, and managed services, with a particular emphasis on supporting the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through services like cloud applications, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and cybersecurity.
Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Owned Company
Tata Consultancy Services
Founded
1968
Current CEO
K Krithivasan
Website
Tcs.com
Tata Owned Companies – TCS
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a prominent Indian multinational technology firm specializing in information technology services and consulting. Headquartered in Mumbai, TCS is a key player in the Tata Group companies and operates in 150 locations across 46 countries worldwide. It ranks as the second-largest Indian company in terms of market capitalization.
Tata Digital
Tata Owned Company
Tata Digital
Founded
2019
Current CEO
Naveen Tahilyani
Website
Tatadigital.in
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Digital
Tata Digital, one of the Tata Group companies, is an innovative company that creates consumer-driven and highly engaging digital products. Tata Neu is the Tata Group’s first launch, a super-app that provides omnichannel rewards across various consumer segments including groceries, fashion, electronics, travel, health, fitness, entertainment, and financial services, all in a single platform. Tata Digital Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited, was founded in March 2019.
Tata Technologies
Tata Owned Company
Tata Technologies
Founded
1989
Current CEO
Warren Harris
Website
Tatatechnologies.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Technologies
Tata Technologies Limited is one of the companies owned by Tata which is an Indian multinational technology company, that focuses on product engineering and provides services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors. It operates as a subsidiary of Tata Motors.
Headquartered in Pune, Tata Technologies also has regional headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Tata AutoComp Systems is a prominent Tier-I supplier in the global automotive industry. Headquartered in Bengaluru, they manufacture components used in the production of automobiles, trucks, and buses, with a strong focus on ensuring the highest quality in everything they produce.
Voltas Limited
Tata Owned Company
Voltas Limited
Founded
1954
Current CEO
Pradeep Bakshi
Website
Voltas.com
Tata Owned Companies – Voltas, a Tata Product
Voltas Limited, an Indian multinational home appliances company based in Mumbai, specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling a wide range of products, including air conditioners, air coolers, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, air purifiers, and water dispensers. The company was established on 6 September 1954 in Mumbai through a collaboration between Tata Sons and Volkart Brothers.
Titan Company Limited
Tata Owned Company
Titan Company Limited
Founded
1984
Current CEO
C K Venkataraman
Website
Titancompany.in
Tata Owned Companies – Titan Company Limited
Titan Company Limited, part of the Tata Group, is a leading Indian brand known for crafting stylish fashion accessories like jewelry, watches, and eyewear originally launched as a joint venture with TIDCO, Titan’s corporate headquarters are located in the vibrant Electronic City, Bangalore, while its registered office is based in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. In 1994, Titan expanded by entering the jewelry market with Tanishq, followed by entering the eyewear industry with the launch of Titan Eyeplus. In 2005, the company introduced Fastrack, a youth-focused fashion accessories brand.
Tata Advanced Systems
Tata Owned Company
Tata Advanced Systems
Founded
2007
Current CEO
Sukaran Singh
Website
Tataadvancedsystems.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Advanced Systems
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is an Indian company specializing in aerospace manufacturing, military engineering, and defense technology. It is part of the Tata Group and is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and advanced systems for the defense and aerospace sectors. TASL engages in various projects, including the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance national security and support the Indian Armed Forces.
Tata Asset Management
Tata Owned Company
Tata Asset Management
Founded
1994
Current CEO
Prathit Bhobe
Website
Tata.com/business/tata-asset-management
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Asset Management
Tata Asset Management Private Limited (TAM) is one of the first asset management companies established in India, with a remarkable history of almost thirty years in the investment management sector.
Tata AIG
Tata Owned Company
Tata AIG
Founded
2001
Current CEO
Neelesh Garg
Website
Tataaig.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata AIG
Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited is an Indian general insurance provider and a company owned by Tata. It was established as a joint venture between the Tata Group and American International Group (AIG), where Tata Group holds a 51% stake and AIG controls the remaining 49%.
Launched on 22 January 2001, Tata AIG General Insurance caters to both individual and corporate clients. The company offers a comprehensive range of general insurance products, including coverage for automobiles, homes, personal accidents, travel, energy, marine, property, and casualty, along with specialized financial lines.
Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited is a dynamic Indian joint venture between Tata Sons and AIA Group, blending Tata’s strong leadership in India with AIA’s status as the largest independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group, operating across 18 markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Tata Group owns a 51% stake in this venture, while AIA Group holds the remaining 49%.
Tata Capital
Tata Owned Company
Tata Capital
Founded
2007
Current CEO
Rajiv Sabharwal
Website
Tatacapital.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Capital
Tata Capital Limited is one of the companies owned by Tata and is a prominent financial and investment service provider in India, which is headquartered in Mumbai. With over 700 branches nationwide, the company offers a wide range of services, including consumer loans, wealth management, commercial finance, and infrastructure financing, among others.
Tata Housing
Tata Owned Company
Tata Housing Development Company Limited
Founded
1984
Current CEO
Sanjay Dutt
Website
Tatahousing.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Housing
Tata Housing Development Company Limited is a company owned by Tata, and a top real estate developer in India, recognized for its focus on quality and innovation. As a part of the Tata Group, Tata Housing specializes in building residential properties that range from affordable homes to luxury residences. With projects in various cities across the country, the company prioritizes sustainable practices and community development, striving to improve the living experience for all its residents.
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Realty and Infrastructure
Founded in 2007, Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL), a company owned by Tata, initially focused on commercial real estate. As a fully-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, TRIL has evolved into the complete real estate division of the Tata Group, expanding its reach into both commercial and residential markets.
Tata Consulting Engineers
Tata Owned Company
Tata Consulting Engineers
Founded
1962
Current CEO
Amit Sharma
Website
Tce.co.in
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Consulting Engineers
Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE) is the largest engineering and project consultancy and is one of the companies owned by Tata in the Indian private sector which is rapidly becoming a global leader in integrated engineering solutions.
Tata Power Company Limited
Tata Owned Company
Tata Power Company Limited
Founded
1911
Current CEO
Praveer Sinha
Website
Tatapower.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Power Company Limited
Tata Power Company Limited is a leading Indian electric utility and electricity generation company based in Mumbai and a company owned by Tata. It boasts an impressive installed capacity of 14,707 MW, with 5,847 MW derived from non-conventional (green energy) sources and the rest from thermal power. This makes Tata Power India’s largest integrated power company.
Air India
Tata Owned Company
Air India
Founded
1932
Current CEO
Campbell Wilson
Website
Airindia.com
Tata Owned Companies – Air India
J. R. D. Tata established the airline in 1932 as Tata Airlines. J. R. D. Tata piloted its first flight, a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, carrying air mail from Karachi to Juhu Aerodrome in Bombay and Madras (now Chennai).
Tata Owned Companies – Tata SIA Airlines (Vistara)
Tata SIA Airlines Limited, known as Vistara, is a full-service airline in India based in Gurgaon (Gurugram), with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport. A joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara started flying on 9 January 2015, launching its first flight between Delhi and Mumbai.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
Tata Owned Company
Indian Hotels Company Limited
Founded
1902
Current CEO
Puneet Chhatwal
Website
Ihcltata.com
Tata Owned Companies – Indian Hotels Company Limited
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is a leading hospitality company in India, managing a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and palaces both domestically and internationally. The company owned by Tata, was established in 1902 by J.R.D. Tata, IHCL is part of the Tata Group and is best known for its flagship brand, Taj Hotels.
Jaguar Land Rover
Tata Owned Company
Jaguar Land Rover
Founded
1922
Current CEO
Adrian Mardell
Website
Jaguarlandrover.com
Tata Owned Companies – Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC is the parent company of Jaguar Land Rover Limited, often known as JLR. This British multinational car manufacturer focuses on luxury cars and SUVs.
Since 2008, Jaguar Land Rover has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, with Tata Sons as the primary shareholder.
Tata Motors Limited
Tata Owned Company
Tata Motors Limited
Founded
1945
Current CEO
Mr. Marc Llistosella
Website
Tatamotors.com
Tata Owned Companies – Tata Motors
Tata Motors was established in 1945 as a locomotive manufacturer and is one of the companies under Tata. The Tata Group ventured into the commercial vehicle sector in 1954 by forming a joint venture with Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, leading to the development of a manufacturing facility in Jamshedpur for Daimler lorries.
Tata Elxsi Limited is a design and technology services company that is part of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and oldest conglomerates. Founded in 1989, Tata Elxsi provides a range of services, including – Product Engineering, Design Services, Embedded Systems, Digital Services, Media and Broadcast.
Tata Investment Corporation Limited is a compound investment entity, which is one of the companies under Tata, that invests in equity shares of both listed and unlisted companies, as well as in debt instruments and mutual funds across various industries. The company acquires a diverse portfolio of quoted and unquoted shares, generating revenue through dividends, interest, and profits from long-term investments. Additionally, it invests in equity units of mutual funds, bonds, and venture capital.
Infiniti Retail (Croma)
Tata Owned Company
Infiniti Retail (Croma)
Founded
2006
Current CEO
Avijit Mitra
Website
tata.com/business/infiniti, croma.com
Tata Brand List – Infiniti Retail (Croma)
Croma Retail is a prominent online retail platform in India and is one of the companies owned by Tata. Launched in 2006, Croma was the first large-format specialty store in the country, providing a wide array of multi-brand digital devices and home electronics. Since its inception, Croma has become a go-to destination for customers seeking high-quality electronic products.
Conclusion
While living in India, the products and services from the Tata Group of company somehow or the other are a daily part of our lives. With the passing of Ratan Tata, the Tata Group lost one of its most visionary leaders, whose influence shaped the conglomerate into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, Tata Companies expanded into international markets. His legacy will continue to inspire the group as it navigates the future, staying true to the values he upheld throughout his tenure. The Tata Group has been serving the world especially the people of India for more than 150 years and has pledged to do the same in the future as well.
FAQS
Who is the CEO of Tata Group?
Natarajan Chandrasekaran is the current CEO of Tata Group.
When did Tata Group start?
The Tata Group was founded in 1868 by Jamsetji Tata.
What is Ratan Tata company list?
Ratan Tata Group company list is as follows:
Tata Play
Tata Teleservices
Tata Digital
Tata Technologies
Tata Asset Management
Tata AIG
Tata AIA Life
Tata Capital
Tata Housing
Tata Realty & Infrastructure
Tata Consulting Engineers
Air India
Tata SIA Airlines (Vistara)
Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Steel Limited
Jaguar Land Rover
Infiniti Retail (Croma)
Tata Motors Limited
Titan Company Limited
Tata Chemicals Limited
Tata Power Company Limited,
Indian Hotels Company Limited
Tata Communication Limited
Voltas Limited
Trent Limited
Tata Investment Corporation
Tata Advanced Systems
Tata Elxsi Limited
Tata Coffee Limited
Tata AutoComp System
What does Tata own?
Tata Group owns 30 companies.
What are the names of Ratan Tata owned companies?
The companies owned by Ratan Tata are 30 companies in total which include Tata AutoComp System, Tata Coffee Limited, Tata Elxsi Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, Voltas Limited, Tata Communication Limited, Jaguar Land Rover, Air India, Tata AIG, Tata Chemicals Limited, others.
When was Ratan Tata organizations founded?
One of the organizations of Ratan Tata which is Ratan Tata Housing Development Company was founded in 1984.
What is the net worth of Tata Group?
There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024.
When did Ratan Tata die?
Ratan Tata died on 9th October, 2024.
Who is the new chairman of Tata Trusts?
Noel Tata has been appointed as the new chairman of Tata Trusts, after the death of Ratan Tata.
Vivek Dev Jacob
