maya-leah-tata-join-sir-ratan-tata-institute-board

Maya Tata and Leah Tata, daughters of Noel Tata and nieces of Ratan Tata, have been inducted into the board of trustees at the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTI), according to a report by The Economic Times.

This marks an important step in the involvement of Noel Tata’s children in the Tata Group’s philanthropic and leadership activities. Ratan Tata, who passed away in October, played a pivotal role in transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.

 

The group’s charitable arm, Tata Trusts, which Ratan Tata chaired until his passing, holds a significant 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the $165 billion conglomerate.

Succession and changes

Maya Tata and Leah Tata replace Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati as trustees of SRTI. The transition, however, has sparked controversy, with Kotwal reportedly raising concerns about being asked to resign to make way for the new members.

This appointment is part of a broader succession plan aimed at grooming the next generation of Tata leadership. Maya, Leah, and their brother Neville Tata now hold positions on the boards of several smaller Tata Trusts.

 

However, they are yet to join the boards of the two principal trusts: the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts, and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts.

Profiles of Maya Tata and Leah Tata

 

• Leah Tata: Leah is currently the Vice President at Indian Hotels Company, managing the Gateway Hotels brand. She also serves on the boards of the Tata Social Welfare Trust, the Tata Education Trust, and the JRD and Thelma J Tata Trust.
• Maya Tata: Maya began her career with the Tata Opportunities Fund under Tata Capital. She is a trustee on the Tata Education Trust, the RD Tata Trust, and the JRD and Thelma J Tata Trust.

Their brother, Neville Tata, leads the Tata Group’s retail business as head of Star Bazaar and also serves on the boards of several Tata philanthropic trusts.

Legacy and future leadership

This move to involve Maya Tata and Leah Tata is seen as part of the Tata Group's strategy to blend youthful energy with experienced leadership. The continued involvement of Noel Tata’s children reflects the Tata family’s enduring legacy in guiding both the philanthropic and business aspects of the conglomerate.