Tata Group Defers Decision on Reappointing N Chandrasekaran as Chairman
Tata Group has reportedly postponed a decision on extending N Chandrasekaran’s tenure as chairman for another five years, according to sources cited by CNBC-TV18. The development follows internal discussions during a recent board meeting.
Chandrasekaran, 62, joined the group in 1987 and became CEO of Tata Consultancy Services in 2009 before taking charge as Tata Sons chairman in 2017. Under his leadership, the conglomerate expanded across technology, aviation, and global automotive operations.
During the meeting, Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata reportedly raised concerns about losses in certain group companies and sought a written commitment that Tata Sons would not pursue a public listing. While several board members supported Chandrasekaran and highlighted overall group performance, calls for a vote emerged before the chairman requested a deferral. Tata Sons has not issued an official response.
The discussion comes amid challenges including regulatory scrutiny at Air India, pricing pressures at TCS, and operational disruptions at Jaguar Land Rover following a cyberattack.
With Tata Trusts holding a 66 percent stake in Tata Sons, leadership decisions carry significant strategic weight. The delay has revived memories of the 2016 governance dispute that impacted the group’s reputation.
The deferral signals ongoing internal deliberations over leadership continuity at one of India’s largest conglomerates.