Tata Trusts has begun the process of identifying the next chairman of Tata Sons, a day after N Chandrasekaran informed the board he wouldn’t seek reappointment when his current term concludes in February 2027.
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), the largest shareholder in Tata Sons through Tata Trusts, said its trustees have passed a resolution to form a Selection Committee that will recommend a successor in line with the Tata Sons Articles of Association. The Trust said it intends to begin the process “asap” (as soon as possible) to ensure a smooth handover at the helm of the Tata Group’s holding company.
In its statement, SDTT said it respected Chandrasekaran’s decision and placed on record its appreciation for his leadership. It reiterated its commitment to supporting Tata Sons in ensuring a “smooth, timely & orderly transition of leadership,” in keeping with the group’s long-term interests and values.
The move brings clarity to a succession question that had lingered for months. Chandrasekaran, who has spent four decades with the Tata Group, told the board on Wednesday that he would step aside at the end of his term; notably, despite having the backing of both the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust for a further five-year extension. According to Chandrasekaran, the two trusts had unanimously recommended renewing his tenure, a proposal that was subsequently endorsed by the Tata Sons Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the board. However, when the proposal came before the Tata Sons board on February 24, 2026, it didn’t receive unanimous support.
Chandrasekaran took over as executive chairman of Tata Sons in February 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry after a bitterly contested boardroom battle, & was reappointed for a second term in 2022. Under his watch, the group expanded into new territory, including aviation through Air India, semiconductors, electronics manufacturing and batteries, while TCS remained its steady cash engine.
With his exit now confirmed, attention turns to who the Selection Committee will identify to lead the $100-billion-plus conglomerate through its next chapter.
