A significant shift is underway within the Tata Trusts as ‘Maya’ and ‘Leah Tata ', daughters of Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, have been inducted into the board of trustees of the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (STIRI). The move has sparked an internal rift, with outgoing trustee Arnaz Kotwal expressing dissatisfaction with the transition process.
Tata sisters, appointment and transition
Maya and Leah Tata have replaced outgoing trustees Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati, who stepped down to make room for the new appointments. This development is noteworthy as it marks the involvement of all three of Noel Tata’s children in the smaller Tata Trust, signaling the next generation’s increasing influence within the family business. However, the two sisters have not yet been inducted into the major trusts, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts, and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Allied Trusts, which hold more significant sway within the Tata group.
Controversy surrounding the transition
The change in leadership has not been without controversy. In a letter to fellow trustees, Arnaz Kotwal expressed feeling blindsided by the request to resign. She stated, “I was saddened that none of you reached out to speak with me directly about this matter,” according to the Economic Times report Kotwal, who is currently based in Dubai and works with VFS Global, voiced her disappointment about the lack of communication in what she felt was a sudden decision.
Meanwhile, Freddy Talati, the other trustee stepping down, has moved on to serve as the Chief Operating Officer at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).
Strategic appointments for Tata Trusts’ future
The decision to bring Maya and Leah Tata on board is viewed as part of a larger strategy to align the SRTI, with the ongoing renovation and upgradation plans. Sources familiar with the situation reveal that the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), which has the authority to appoint three of the six trustees to SRTII, prioritizes local leadership for the board. Both daughters, with their professional backgrounds, are seen as suitable choices due to their experience and proximity to Mumbai.
The SRTT Board has already unanimously approved the appointments, with notable members like Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Mehli Mistry supporting the move.
For the Tata Group, the inclusion of Maya and Leah Tata represents a move to involve the younger generation in the leadership structure.
Maya Tata has previously worked at Tata Capital and is now involved in managing the Tata Neu app under Tata Digital.
Leah Tata, a vice president at Indian Hotels, holds a master’s degree in marketing from IE Business School.