Fortune India
Ratan Tata’s half-brother, Noel, chose silence over spotlight — walking a step behind, standing away from plaques and photo-ops.
But his business acumen was incredible. Under Noel Tata's leadership, Trent, which owns the brand Westside, grew steadily — over 850 stores, with 250 added in just one year.
Like LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, Noel Tata is known to blend creativity with financial caution — upgrading products without inflating prices.
With the passing of Ratan Tata, Noel became the chairman of Tata Trusts, controlling the 66% stake in Tata Sons.
Over ₹900 crore in dividends now flow to causes in education, healthcare, and rural upliftment under Noel’s oversight.
Different in persona, but aligned in ethos — Noel favours stability, humility, and quiet resilience, just like Ratan.
From steering Trent’s retail boom to overseeing the vast philanthropic engine of Tata Trusts, Noel Tata has quietly built the credentials of a statesman. As the Tata empire edges toward a generational decision in 2027, his steady hand may yet shape its future course.
The generational decision is the ending of Tata Sons CEO N. Chandrasekaran’s term in 2027. All eyes are now on Noel and the Tata Trusts for the next big decision.
Not a disruptor, but a steady hand — there is no doubt that Noel Tata is scripting a quiet revolution inside India’s most storied business empire.