2 weeks ago
Don't rule out Noel Tata on experience, says Mukund Rajan
The Tata Group is one of the biggest companies in India, making everything from cars to steel.
The person who leads the whole group is called the chairman.
Right now, that chairman, N Chandrasekaran, has said he will stop being chairman in February 2027.
So people are wondering who should take over next.
Some people worry that Noel Tata, who is part of the Tata family, does not have enough experience for such a big job.
Mukund Rajan, a former top leader at the company, says that is not a fair reason to rule him out.
He reminds everyone that when Ratan Tata became chairman long ago, people said the same thing.
But Ratan Tata turned out to be a great leader.
Rajan says the group should quickly choose its next leader and work together without confusion.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced he will not seek another term after his tenure ends in February 2027.
Former Tata Sons executive Mukund Rajan said Noel Tata should not be ruled out for a larger role based on experience alone.
Rajan compared the doubts to those raised when JRD Tata considered Ratan Tata, who went on to demonstrate strong leadership.
Noel Tata chairs Trent, Voltas and Tata Investment Corporation, and is Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company.
Rajan urged swift clarity on succession, stronger governance, and management continuity to avoid uncertainty across the group.
- Who
- N Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons Chairman; Noel Tata, Chairman of the Tata Trusts; and Mukund Rajan, former Tata Sons senior executive.
- What
- A debate over whether Noel Tata should take a larger role in the Tata Group after Chandrasekaran said he will not seek another term.
- Where
- India, with the Tata Group's businesses, employees, and shareholders spanning India and global markets.
- When
- Rajan's comments were published on August 12, 2026; Chandrasekaran's tenure ends in February 2027.
- Why
- Chandrasekaran's decision not to seek another term has focused attention on how the group manages its leadership succession.
Questioning Noel Tata's experience
Backing Noel Tata's candidacy
Noel Tata's experience
Questioning Noel Tata's experience
Some voices question whether Noel Tata has the experience to run an enterprise of the Tata Group's scale and complexity.
Backing Noel Tata's candidacy
Rajan argues experience alone should not be the overriding test, noting Ratan Tata faced similar doubts before demonstrating tremendous vision and leadership.
Shareholder influence on the board
Questioning Noel Tata's experience
A concern exists that a controlling shareholder with about 66 per cent could call the shots on boards, potentially overshadowing professional management.
Backing Noel Tata's candidacy
Rajan says large shareholders are entitled to a deciding voice and that boards must approve strategy and demand course correction, while management should get clearly defined operational authority.
Key facts
- Tata Sons Chairman
- N Chandrasekaran (tenure ends February 2027)
- Central question
- Whether Noel Tata should play a larger role in the Tata Group
- Noel Tata's roles
- Chairman of Trent, Voltas and Tata Investment Corporation; Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company
- Tata Trusts stake in Tata Sons
- About 66 per cent
- Trusts chaired by Noel Tata
- Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
- Rajan's recommendation
- Swift succession clarity, stronger governance, and management continuity
- Published
- August 12, 2026
Quotes
Mukund Rajan
Former senior executive at Tata Sons
“"When Ratan Tata was being considered for the chairmanship, there were many similar voices about his experience," he told businessline.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“"I don’t think you could say or have a proposition that large shareholders should not have a deciding voice in any board," he said.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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