MUMBAI: About a year after Tata Trusts, which controls 66% in Tata Sons, the holding company of India's largest conglomerate, unanimously approved a third five-year term as chairman for N Chandrasekaran (62), he abruptly announced Wednesday morning his decision "not to offer himself for reappointment when my term ends on Feb 20, 2027" on the grounds that "one of the board members (of Tata Sons) did not support the proposal".While he did not name the board member, there was little doubt that the reference was to Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, who had, after initially backing Chandra for a third term, begun to raise questions about the performance of several group companies, heavy capital spending, and broader directional strategy.
Sources close to the developments said Noel was willing to agree to a three-year extension for Chandra, till he turned 65, but not to a full 5-year term.Since the July 2025 approval of the Trusts, what started as differences being aired within a select group of key trustees and Tata Sons board members has spilled into public view in recent months with the battle reaching courts, the charity commissioner's office and the top echelons of govt.Insiders feel that along the way, there was a breakdown in meaningful communication between Noel and Chandra.Chandra must remain Tata Sons director to complete even his current term, fate of Aug 18 AGM uncertain Chandra's dramatic announcement comes ahead of Tata Sons' annual general meeting on Aug 18, when shareholders are due to vote on renewal of his directorship.
