Thu Jan 09 18:20:00 UTC 2025: **Tata Trusts Shake-Up: Noel Tata’s Daughters Join Board Amidst Resignation Controversy**
**Mumbai, January 9, 2025** – The Tata Trusts have announced significant changes to the board of the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTII), with Noel Tata’s daughters, Maya and Leah, taking up trustee positions. This follows the resignations of Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati. While the appointments mark the inclusion of Noel Tata’s children on all smaller Tata Trusts boards, their involvement in the major trusts remains pending.
The appointments have sparked controversy, however. Kotwal, in a letter to fellow trustees, expressed displeasure at being asked to resign without direct communication from the board, alleging the process was handled indirectly through Tata Trusts executives Burgess Taraporewala and CEO Siddharth Sharma. She further claimed the resignation request originated with Noel Tata. The Tata Trusts have not publicly commented on these allegations.
The decision to appoint Maya and Leah Tata, who hold managerial roles within the Tata Group, was reportedly driven by a need for trustees with SRTII operational experience and a strong Mumbai presence to support ongoing upgrades at the institute. The appointment was unanimously approved by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust board.
Freddy Talati has reportedly joined the NCPA, while Kotwal is now with VFS Global in Dubai. SRTII, focused on providing vocational training to underprivileged women, continues its operations. The changes represent a generational shift within the Tata Trusts, furthering Noel Tata’s influence following his October 2024 appointment as chairman.
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