Tata Sons succession race heats up as Chandrasekaran prepares to step down

The race to succeed Natarajan Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons has officially begun after Tata Trusts initiated the process of identifying the next leader of the $400-billion Tata Group. Chandrasekaran, who has led the conglomerate since 2017, is scheduled to complete his term in February 2027, prompting discussions about who will take charge of one of India’s most influential business empires.

Tata Trusts announced that the trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust have passed a resolution to establish a selection committee that will recommend a new chairman for Tata Sons. The move has triggered widespread speculation across corporate circles, with several senior Tata Group executives and leaders emerging as potential successors.

Among the strongest contenders is Noel Tata, the half-brother of late industrialist Ratan Tata and the current chairman of Tata Trusts. Following Ratan Tata’s passing in October 2024, Noel Tata assumed a more prominent role within the group’s governance structure. Despite maintaining a relatively low public profile throughout his career, he has built extensive experience across the Tata ecosystem, particularly in retail, trading and consumer businesses. His recent appointment as chairman of Tata Trusts and his position on the Tata Sons board have further strengthened his standing within the group.

Another leading candidate is TV Narendran, the chief executive officer and managing director of Tata Steel. A Tata Group veteran who joined the company in 1988, Narendran has spent nearly four decades within the organization. Widely respected for his leadership and operational expertise, he currently oversees Tata Steel’s global operations and serves on several key group boards. Industry observers believe his deep understanding of the Tata culture and business operations makes him a strong contender for the top position.

Saurabh Agrawal, the chief financial officer of Tata Sons, is also being closely watched. Since joining Tata Sons in 2017, Agrawal has played a significant role in shaping the group’s financial strategy and investment decisions. With experience spanning investment banking, corporate finance and strategic planning, he currently serves on the boards of several major Tata companies, including Tata Steel, Voltas, Tata Capital, Tata Play and BigBasket.

Tata Motors executive Shailesh Chandra has also emerged as a potential candidate. Having joined Tata Motors in 1995, Chandra has been instrumental in transforming the company’s passenger vehicle and electric mobility businesses. His leadership has helped position Tata Motors as a dominant player in India’s electric vehicle market.

Meanwhile, Trent CEO P Venkatesalu is being viewed as another serious contender. Known for driving Trent’s rapid retail expansion, he enjoys a close working relationship with Noel Tata and has extensive experience across the Tata Group’s finance and retail operations.

Veteran Tata executive Harish Bhat, currently serving as the group’s brand custodian, is also among the names being discussed. With nearly four decades of experience within the Tata ecosystem, Bhat is recognized for his contributions to brand building, consumer strategy and corporate leadership.

The selection process is expected to be closely watched by investors, employees and industry experts alike. The next chairman will inherit responsibility for guiding a conglomerate that spans industries ranging from steel, automobiles and technology to aviation, retail, consumer products and financial services. As Tata Trusts begins evaluating candidates, the eventual choice will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of one of India’s most respected business groups.