Ratan Tata, the visionary behind the Tata Group’s success, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy and property worth approximately ₹10,000 crore. However, his will has sparked curiosity, as there’s no mention of his stepbrother Noel Tata. Instead, Ratan Tata’s assets have been designated to other family members and loyal employees, raising questions about his relationship with Noel.
Complex Relationship Between Ratan and Noel Tata
Ratan Tata and Noel Tata shared a complicated bond. Noel, born to Ratan Tata’s mother, Simone Tata, from her second marriage, is Ratan’s half-brother. While they worked together within the Tata Group, there wasn’t a strong personal connection between them. Sources suggest that Ratan Tata often doubted Noel’s managerial approach and felt that Noel’s experience didn’t align with the Tata Group’s demanding leadership standards.
Initially, Ratan did not assign major responsibilities to Noel, even after he joined the Tata Group. Over the years, however, their relationship improved, and Noel eventually became an important part of Tata Sons. Despite this, Ratan Tata didn’t choose Noel as his successor, as many would have expected. Instead, he chose to establish Tata Trusts, an arrangement ensuring that a chosen trustee would lead in his absence.
Did Ratan Tata Intend to Name Noel Tata as Successor?
When asked about his successor, Ratan Tata maintained that Tata Trusts would take on the responsibility rather than an individual from his family. Although he held the right to choose his successor, he refrained from passing on the legacy to Noel. This decision likely stemmed from his earlier reservations about Noel’s approach and experience.
A few years before his passing, Noel was appointed a trustee, positioning him in a significant role within Tata Trusts. Additionally, when Ratan Tata faced controversy over his decision to remove Cyrus Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons, Noel supported his stepbrother’s decision despite Mistry being Noel’s brother-in-law. This move likely improved the bond between the two brothers, but it did not prompt any changes in Ratan Tata’s plans for succession.
Who Benefited from Ratan Tata’s Will?
Ratan Tata’s will shows his deep care for family and trusted employees. His assets were distributed to his brother Jimmy Tata and half-sisters Shirin and Diana Jeejeebhoy. In addition, he left provisions for his long-time staff, including his driver and butler, acknowledging their loyalty and support over the years. The will even included arrangements for his beloved pet dog Tito, showing his affectionate and generous nature.
However, Noel’s absence in the will indicates that Ratan Tata intended to recognize those closer to him, both personally and professionally, while Noel’s contribution to the Tata legacy remains within Tata Trusts rather than through inheritance.
A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Ratan Tata’s passing marks the end of an era, yet his decisions underscore his philosophy of responsibility and loyalty. The Tata family’s legacy, firmly upheld by Tata Trusts, remains rooted in the principles he championed. Noel Tata, though not directly included in the will, holds a respected role in Tata Trusts and continues to contribute to the Tata legacy.
