Noel Tata opposes Chandra's reappointment, calls decision 'premature'

The Tata Sons board approved a five-year extension for Chandrasekaran at the board meeting. The decision was taken despite Noel Tata's opposition

Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata has opposed the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran at Tata Sons, saying the move runs counter to Chandrasekaran’s own decision to step down and the Trusts’ acceptance of it.

In a statement made at the Tata Sons board meeting on Thursday, Noel Tata said Chandrasekaran had written to the board on August 12 that he would not seek another term as chairman after his current tenure ends on February 20, 2027.

“That was his own decision. It was freely taken and clearly expressed,” Noel Tata said in the statement. He added that the decision was not sought by the board and was not the result of a board review.

The Tata Sons board approved a five-year extension for Chandrasekaran at the board meeting. The board also cleared a proposal to proceed with the listing of Tata Sons despite Noel Tata's opposition.

Tata Trusts had accepted Chandrasekaran’s decision to step down and asked Tata Sons to constitute a selection committee under the company’s Articles of Association to appoint his successor.