Noel Tata Appoints Daughters Maya and Leah to Sir Ratan Tata Institute’s Board

Noel Tata Appoints Daughters Maya and Leah to Sir Ratan Tata Institute’s Board

The recent nomination of his daughters, Maya and Leah Tata, to the board of trustees of the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTII) is a calculated decision by Noel Tata, the recently appointed chairman of Tata Trusts. As a component of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the SRTII is essential in giving women job possibilities. Trustees Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati resigned, while Maya and Leah took their places during this appointment.

Although they have not yet been appointed to the two main trusts—the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts—Noel Tata’s children now serve on the boards of a number of smaller Tata Trusts, making the decision, as reported by The Economic Times, a significant step.

In October 2024, Noel Tata was appointed chairman of Tata Trusts. Neville, Maya, and Leah are his three children.

Internal Dispute and Resignation of Arnaz Kotwal

Arnaz Kotwal wrote to the other trustees to voice his displeasure with the nominations, which have caused considerable internal dispute. Kotwal said he was discouraged by the lack of personal contact about his leaving and that he had been asked to step down to make room for the new hires. Kotwal said, “Since I am now in Dubai and after considerable thought, I have acceded to Burjis’s request but was very saddened that none of you reached out to speak with me directly about this matter,” in reference to the request made by Burjis, which was overseen by CEO Sidharth Sharma.

Kotwal stated that Mehli Mistry, a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, had called him and that Taraporewala, an official at Tata Trusts, had convinced him to resign. A major player in the talks was Mistry, who is also the first cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of the Tata Group.

Appointees: Maya and Leah Tata

Freddy Talati, who is connected to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), and Arnaz Kotwal, who moved to Dubai and is currently employed with VFS Global, were replaced by Maya and Leah Tata. The choice is in line with Noel Tata’s overarching goals for the Tata Trusts’ future, which include strengthening Indian women via programs like the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute.

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Maya and Leah’s appointments mark a new stage in the Tata Trusts’ administration, guaranteeing a new outlook on their governance while upholding the organization’s charitable objectives.