As fight over Tata empire’s future intensifies, low-profile Noel steps into spotlight

For most of his career, Noel Tata stayed in the shadows of India’s most famous business family, building retail and trading businesses while his half-brother, Ratan Tata, became the public face of the conglomerate.

Today, the low-profile executive has emerged as a pivotal figure in a battle that could determine both the leadership and ownership structure of the 158-year-old Tata empire.

Noel Tata, the chairman of Tata Trusts, the charity arm which owns about 66% of the holding company Tata Sons, now holds one of the most influential positions in Indian corporate governance.