In a rare public statement, Noshir Soonawala, a long-time Tata Group veteran and close confidante of Ratan Tata, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing rift among Tata Trusts trustees.
“It is painful to see what is happening at the Tatas — a group where I have dedicated almost my entire career,” said Soonawala, who served as former Vice-Chairman of Tata Sons and ex-trustee of Tata Trusts.
He added that he hopes the trustees “resolve their issues” to preserve the group’s legacy and values.
Background: Rift Among Tata Trusts Trustees
The internal governance issues at Tata Trusts became public in September 2025, less than a year after Ratan Tata’s passing. The conflict has reportedly created divisions among key trustees, including those close to Noel Tata, current chairman of Tata Trusts.
Soonawala, known for his close ties with Noel Tata and Simone Tata, mentioned that he now watches developments from the sidelines.
“I’m now an outsider, having stepped down from my roles several years ago,” he said. “I read about their differences in the newspapers. What is the real issue? It is a 157-year-old group.”
Key Decisions That Sparked the Rift
According to sources, the rift dates back to two key meetings in October 2024:
- October 11, 2024 – Trustees appointed Noel Tata as chairman of the charities and discussed lifetime tenure extensions for trustees.
- October 17, 2024 – It was decided that trustees over 75 years would face annual performance reviews.
This policy led to disagreements in September 2025, when a majority voted against the continuation of Vijay Singh, 77, as nominee director on Tata Sons’ board. Singh later resigned.
Additionally, proposals to reappoint Mehli Mistry and Venu Srinivasan as lifetime trustees have added to internal tension.
Soonawala’s Legacy and Contributions
Noshir Soonawala joined the Tata Group in 1968 and played a pivotal role in strengthening the group’s financial structure.
He was instrumental in the 1995 rights issue worth ₹300 crore, enabling listed Tata companies to own stakes in Tata Sons, along with several major debenture issues.
Soonawala retired from Tata Sons in 2010 and from Tata Trusts in 2019, but his influence remains respected across the group.
Conclusion
The current governance challenges at Tata Trusts mark a critical moment in the legacy of one of India’s oldest and most respected business conglomerates. Soonawala’s comments serve as a reminder of the group’s rich values and the need for unity among its leaders.
