Prominent entrepreneur Ratan Tata passed away late Wednesday night, sparking discussions about his possible successor, given that he remained unmarried. His half-brother, Noel Tata, leads the conversation around succession. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Noel Tata following Ratan Tata’s death.
Noel, the son of Ratan Tata’s father, Naval Tata, and his second wife, Simone, stands at the forefront of potential heirs. If he assumes the role of successor, he will inherit assets valued at ₹3,800 crore.
Naval Hormusji Tata had two marriages. His first marriage to Suni Tata produced two sons: Ratan Tata and Jimmy Tata. While Jimmy is still alive, he leads a simple life away from the media spotlight, resulting in limited public discussion about him.
After Suni, Naval married Simone, and Noel Tata emerged from this union. With over 40 years of experience in the Tata Group, Noel currently serves on the boards of various Tata companies. He chairs Tata International Limited, Voltas, and Tata Investment Corporation, and he holds the position of Vice-Chairman at Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.
Noel Tata has three children: Maya, Neville, and Leah, who are also considered potential heirs to Ratan Tata’s fortune. All three actively contribute to the Tata Group. Maya, 34, plays key roles in Tata Opportunities and Tata Digital, and she played a pivotal part in launching the Tata New App. Neville, 32, leads the major hypermarket chain Star Bazaar under Trent Limited, while 39-year-old Leah oversees the hospitality sector, managing the Taj Hotel Resort and Palace and the Indian Hotel Company.