Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Venu Srinivasan Objects to Trustee Appointments in Tata Trusts
Imagine two important clubs in the Tata family, called trusts.
On November 11, 2025, people were trying to pick new leaders (trustees) for these clubs.
In one club, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat were chosen.
But when it was time to discuss new leaders for the other club, the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, one leader named Venu Srinivasan got upset.
He said it wasn't fair to bring up new people for the club without telling everyone on the list beforehand.
He felt they needed to talk about it properly.
Even though he objected, the discussion and appointments still happened.
Also, in one of the clubs, a special committee that used to help run things was removed, giving more power to the main leader, Noel Tata.
Venu Srinivasan, Vice-Chairman of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), objected to the appointment of Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat.
Srinivasan argued the appointment resolution was not properly listed on the SRTT agenda and required further discussion.
Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat were appointed as trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) in a preceding meeting.
The executive committee of the SDTT was disbanded, centralizing power with Chairman Noel Tata.
The Tata Trusts (SRTT and SDTT) collectively hold over 51% ownership in Tata Sons.
- Who
- Venu Srinivasan, Trustee and Vice-Chairman of Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), objected to a resolution.
- What
- Srinivasan objected to the manner in which a resolution to appoint Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat as trustees was introduced and passed.
- When
- November 11, 2025
- Where
- Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) board meetings, India.
- Why
- Srinivasan argued that the resolution was not on the agenda and required a proper discussion, which he felt was bypassed.
Procedural Concerns
Consolidation of Power
Appointment Process
Procedural Concerns
Venu Srinivasan objected to the appointment of Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat, stating the resolution was not properly listed on the agenda and required a 'proper discussion'.
Consolidation of Power
The appointments of Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat were proposed and seconded, proceeding despite Srinivasan's objections. The executive committee was also disbanded, vesting more power with the Chairman Noel Tata.
- Trusts Involved
- Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT)
- Key Figures
- Venu Srinivasan (Trustee, SRTT), Neville Tata (Appointed Trustee, SDTT), Bhaskar Bhat (Appointed Trustee, SDTT), Noel Tata (Chairman, SDTT), Darius Khambatta (Trustee), Pramit Jhaveri (Ex-Citibanker), Vijay Singh (Trustee), Jehangir H C Jehangir (Trustee)
- Issue
- Objection to the procedural manner of appointing new trustees to SRTT.
- Stake in Tata Sons
- SRTT and SDTT collectively hold over 51% in Tata Sons.
- Maharashtra Ordinance Impact
- Capped trustee tenure to 3 years and limited lifetime trustees.
- Executive Committee Disbanded
- In SDTT meeting, the executive committee was disbanded, centralizing power with the Chairman.
Sources
Tata Trusts eyes Neville Tata, Bhaskar Bhat for board amid leadership expansion plans
Dorabji Tata Trust appoints Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat as trustees
Tata Trusts inducts chair Noel Tata's son Neville on the principal trust
The next Tata rising: Neville’s steady ascent from Trent to the Trusts
Who is Bhaskar Bhat? Man behind Titan’s rise inducted to Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Board
Noel Tata’s son Neville, Bhaskar Bhat inducted into Dorabji Tata Trust board
Tata Trusts revises Venu Srinivasan's term from life to three years to comply with Maharashtra Ordinance
Neville Tata joins Sir Dorabji Tata Trust as Trustee - CNBC TV18
‘Sonrise’ at Tata Trusts
Tata Trusts appoints Neville Tata, Bhaskar Bhat as trustees of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
Noel Tata's Son Neville, Bhaskar Bhat Inducted As Trustees Of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
