‘Don’t pay much attention to gossip, theories, conspiracies’: Chandra tells Tata staff

N Chandrasekaran, who has decided not to seek reappointment as Tata Sons chairman after his current term ends in February 2027, on Wednesday urged employees not to pay much attention to the speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the leadership transition.

Addressing a town hall at Bombay House in the afternoon, Chandrasekaran reflected on his four decades with the Tata Group and said he had been “touched with the love and affection” of employees over the years.

“As you might have read or be aware, am not seeking reappointment after February 2027 as term comes to an end,” he told employees.

‘All careers eventually come to an end’

Chandrasekaran, who has spent 40 years with the group, said he “could not have dreamt of where the career has taken him”, while acknowledging that every career eventually comes to an end.

“All careers eventually come to an end and another person would take over,” he said.

“Tata is a revered name and that is because of the efforts of employees like you,” Chandrasekaran told the gathering, according to people present at the meeting.

He also sought to reassure employees that the group would continue to make progress and that they would continue to have opportunities within the organisation.

‘Do not pay much attention to gossip’

Addressing the speculation around his departure, Chandrasekaran told employees: “Do not pay much attention to the gossip, theories, conspiracies that you hear.”

The chairman ended the town hall on a personal note, saying he would like to know more employees individually rather than through occasional informal or group meetings.

Chandrasekaran left the room to thunderous applause, according to people familiar with the meeting.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chandrasekaran, 63, announced that he would not offer himself for reappointment as Tata Sons chairman when his current term ends on February 20, 2027, bringing his nine-year tenure at the helm of the conglomerate to an end.

He said the decision followed a six-month impasse after his proposed five-year extension failed to win unanimous support at a February 24 board meeting.

Chandrasekaran also said he had asked the Tata Sons board to decide on his successor soon to ensure a smooth transition.

(With agency inputs.)