N. Chandrasekaran has informed the Tata Sons board that he does not wish to continue as chairman after his current term ends on February 20, 2027. His decision brings his decade-long stint at the helm of the Tata group to a close.
Chandrasekaran, 63, has spent about 40 years with the Tata group. In his letter to the board, he requested that a new chairman be chosen soon, citing the need for clarity for employees, investors, business partners and other stakeholders as major projects move forward.
He noted that Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust—together holding 51.54% of Tata Sons—had recommended extending his tenure by five years. However, at the board meeting held on February 24, the proposal did not pass after one director did not support it, and no decision has been reached even after six months.
Following Ratan Tata’s death in 2024, Noel Tata took charge as chairman of the Tata trusts. The report says differences between Chandrasekaran and Noel Tata on certain issues contributed to the current uncertainty, including views on listing Tata Sons and matters related to board representation.
As per the shareholding details cited, Tata trusts together hold 66% of Tata Sons. Key stakes include Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (27.98%) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust (23.56%), along with other trusts such as J.R.D. Tata Trust (4.01%), Tata Education Trust (3.73%), Tata Social Welfare Trust (3.73%), R.D. Tata Trust (2.19%) and Sarvajanik Seva Trust (0.10%).
