17 - 09 - 2026

Tata Sons’ board votes to re-appoint Chandrasekaran as executive chairman

Tata Sons’ board on Thursday voted to re-appoint N. Chandrasekaran as Executive Chairman for a further term of five years, after he agreed to re-consider resignation.

At the board meeting on September 17, 2026, Chandra acceded to the members’ request to re-consider his decision. The board thereafter resolved by a majority vote to re-appoint him as executive chairman for a further term of five years upon the expiry of his current tenure.

Earlier on September 3, 2026, the Nomination Remuneration Committee (NRC) of the board of Tata Sons met to discuss, Chandra’s resignation and discuss the issue of his re-appointment. After due deliberation and in recognition of his contributions and the larger interests of the Tata Group, the NRC unanimously resolved to request him to reconsider his decision and to recommend him for re-appointment at the next board meeting.

On August 12, 2026, Chandra opted not to offer himself for re-appointment upon the expiry of his current term.

In February 2026, in the absence of unanimity, the resolution was deferred for decision. In subsequent Board meetings in May 2026 and June 2026, this matter was discussed but was not resolved.

In September 2025 Tata Sons’ board agreed in principle to re-appoint Chandra as executive chairman for a further term of five years. Pursuant to applicable provisions of law, the board decided to obtain the relevant formal approval in February 2026.

Tata Trusts object

Tata Trusts, however, termed the resolution to reappoint Chandrasekaran as illegal.

Four directors voted in favour of the resolution seeking to reappoint Chandrasekaran, while Tata Trusts’ chairman Noel Tata voted against. This was a legal nullity in view of the provisions of the Articles of Association of Tata Sons, the Trusts said in a statement.

Noel Tata also submitted a legal opinion obtained from Justice DY Chandrachud (former Chief Justice of India) regarding the correctness of the Trusts’ stand, which was not considered by the board.

The trusts, reiterating their position that Chandra’s decision of not offering himself for reappointment upon the conclusion of his tenure has been duly accepted and has attained finality.

In his resignation (August 12), Chandra opted not to offer himself for re-appointment upon the expiry of his current term. This was made public without prior intimation or any deliberations with the shareholders of the company, a statement from Tata Trusts said.

“Once such a decision has been publicly communicated, it has consequences which cannot be afterwards undone, since the group’s employees, its lenders and counterparties, the market and the majority shareholder have all proceeded on it,” it added.

The Tata Trusts formally placed on record their acceptance of the decision the following day and advised Tata Sons to initiate the process for setting up a Selection Committee for appointing a successor, in accordance with the Articles of Association of Tata Sons. 

“The Trusts’ position remains unchanged, as a considered judgement of a majority shareholder. This position was reiterated in today’s board meeting by the Chairman, Tata Trusts,” it added.

The Tata Trusts remain committed to ensuring an orderly and timely leadership transition in the long term interests of Tata Sons and the Tata Group.

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