New Delhi/IBNS: Noel Tata, the half-brother of industrialist Ratan Tata who passed away on Wednesday, has been appointed as the chairman of Tata Trusts, media reports said.

The announcement was made after a board meeting in Mumbai.

Noel Tata is currently the vice-chairman of Tata Steel and the Group's watch company, Titan.

Noel Tata is the son of Naval Tata and Simone Tata.

Simone Tata, who was the step-mother of late Ratan Tata, is currently the chairman of Trent, Voltas, Tata Investment Corporation and Tata International.

Tata Trusts, which control the majority of Tata Group’s holding companies, have been a major force behind the conglomerate’s philanthropic and governance efforts.

Noel's career within the Tata Group began in the early 2000s.

By 2010, he was appointed Managing Director of Tata International, the group’s global business arm.

This appointment sparked speculation that Noel was being groomed to succeed Ratan Tata.

However, when Ratan Tata retired in 2011, the group instead appointed Cyrus Mistry—Noel’s brother-in-law—as his successor.

After Mistry’s removal in 2016, Noel’s role within the Tata Group expanded.

In 2019, Noel was added to the board of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, and he also took on leadership roles in key Tata companies, becoming vice chairman of Titan in 2018 and Tata Steel in 2022.

As Chairman of Tata International, Noel has overseen the group’s international operations and led the success of Tata Trent, particularly through the Zudio brand, which has become a major player in India’s retail market.

Tata Trusts, which hold over 66 percent of Tata Sons' shares, are essential to the group’s governance and decision-making.

The leadership transition at Tata Trusts is critical not just for its philanthropic work but also for shaping the future of the Tata Group.

Unlike Ratan Tata’s high-profile leadership, Noel is known for a more understated style, focusing on expanding international business and retail.