The impending departure of N. Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons in February 2027 is focusing attention on the future leadership of the sprawling Tata Group. While a formal selection process is underway for his successor, the spotlight has increasingly turned to Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, and the strategic roles his three children are now carving out across the conglomerate's diverse portfolio.
Noel Tata's Children: Shaping the Next Generation
Noel Tata's children—Leah Tata, Maya Tata, and Neville Tata—are actively establishing themselves within various sectors of the Tata ecosystem. Though none currently hold top leadership positions at Tata Sons, their growing operational responsibilities span hospitality, retail, digital commerce, and the crucial Tata Trusts.
Leah Tata: Hospitality Leadership and Philanthropy
Leah Tata has forged her professional path within the hospitality sector, specifically with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), known for its Taj portfolio. She serves as Vice President and Brand Leader for Gateway Hotels & Resorts, a significant consumer-facing business within the group. This role provides her with direct exposure to hotel operations, brand development, and expansion strategies, highlighting a focus on operational leadership for the next generation.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Leah is also involved in the group's philanthropic endeavors. Current records from Tata Trusts list her as a trustee across several entities, including the Tata Social Welfare Trust, JN Tata Endowment, and Tata Education Trust.
Maya Tata: Digital Retail and Trust Governance
The youngest sibling, Maya Tata, is making her mark in the retail and digital commerce spheres. Associated with Trent, the Tata company behind brands like Westside, she is reportedly preparing to lead Westside's e-commerce marketing function. This move is critical as the brand aims to accelerate its online growth and international expansion, particularly in markets like the UAE.
Maya's focus on digital retail places her at the forefront of an increasingly vital segment of Tata's consumer business. Like her siblings, she is also gaining exposure to Tata's philanthropic governance, serving as a trustee for entities such as the JN Tata Endowment, Tata Education Trust, RD Tata Trust, and The JRD and Thelma J Tata Trust.
Neville Tata: Hypermarket Operations and Strategic Trusts
Neville Tata holds perhaps the most visible operating role among the three siblings. He joined Trent in 2016 and has gained experience across its retail businesses, including Zudio. In August 2024, he was appointed head of Star Bazaar, Trent's hypermarket division. This leadership position places him directly within India's highly competitive organized grocery and hypermarket market, where Tata faces strong rivals like Reliance Retail and DMart.
Neville's responsibilities also extend to the group's philanthropic arm. In November 2025, Tata Trusts announced his appointment as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust for a three-year term, with current records also showing his involvement across several other trust entities.
The increasing prominence of Noel Tata's children in operational and governance roles signals a strategic grooming of the next generation, positioning them for potential greater influence as the Tata Group navigates its future leadership landscape.