Noel Tata’s rise to the top of one of India’s most influential institutions has been shaped by patience, quiet leadership and a long career spent building some of the country’s strongest retail brands. His journey has moved from transforming Trent to now leading the Tata Trusts, the body that holds the largest stake in Tata Sons and influences the future of 29 listed companies.
When Ratan Tata stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons in 2012, Noel was widely seen as a natural successor. The board instead chose Cyrus Mistry. Four years later, after Mistry’s removal, speculation again turned toward Noel, but the role eventually went to N Chandrasekaran. It was only after Ratan Tata’s passing in 2024 that Noel, at 68, became Chairman of the Tata Trusts, placing him in one of the most powerful positions within the group.
Noel’s early career grew through retail. After studying economics at Sussex University and completing a programme at INSEAD, he began working at Nestlé in the United Kingdom before returning to join Tata International. His major break came in 1998 when he moved to Lakme Exports, which later evolved into Trent Limited. In 1999, as Managing Director of Trent, he turned a struggling Bengaluru store into Westside, which soon became a key fashion brand in India.
Trent’s growth under his leadership was remarkable. Revenues increased from Rs 1,686 crore in 2015 to Rs 17,135 crore in 2025, with profits rising from Rs 55 crore to Rs 1,534 crore. Market value grew sharply as well. But the biggest turning point came in 2016 with the launch of Zudio, a value fashion brand that offered affordable products with rapid inventory cycles. By 2024, Zudio had surpassed Westside in both store count and revenue, expanding into smaller cities and contributing over a third of Trent’s overall earnings.
Alongside Trent, Noel also held leadership roles across the group, including positions at Titan, Tata Steel and Voltas. He chairs Tata Investment Corporation and is regarded as a steady and approachable leader.
His personal link to both the Tata and Mistry families placed him at the centre of group dynamics. After becoming Chairman of the Tata Trusts, he faced internal resistance from a faction led by Mehli Mistry. The standoff ended when Mehli’s term was not renewed in 2025, marking a significant assertion of Noel’s authority.
With control over the Trusts and their stake in Tata Sons, Noel is now positioned to shape the group’s future direction. After years of working away from the spotlight, he has emerged as a central figure guiding the institution that decides the leadership of the Tata Group itself.
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