Ratan Tata felt that his half-brother Noel Tata needed more exposure and experience in handling difficult decisions to succeed him.
After the death of business tycoon Ratan Tata, his half-brother Noel Tata holds the reins of the Tata Group. In a new revelation, it was revealed that the search for Ratan Tata’s successor began as early as 2011, with Noel even interviewed for the role but ultimately not selected. The details come from a biography, Ratan Tata: A Life, authored by Thomas Mathew.
According to the book, published by HarperCollins Publishers, when Noel faced the interview to succeed his half-brother, Ratan Tata believed that Noel lacked the experience needed to run the Tata Group. Tata felt that Noel required more exposure and experience to navigate the challenging decisions necessary to lead Tata companies and the group’s primary investment holding firm effectively. After Tata’s demise, Noel Tata was appointed Chairman of the Tata Trusts.
The Search for Ratan Tata’s Successor
Back in 2011 when the search for Ratan’s Neutral Stance on Noel’s Candidacy Successor began, Ratan Tata took a decision to stay away from the committee set up to find his successor, although many within the company felt he should be part of it. Tata’s reasons were clear that – he didn’t want the committee to take decision on sheer merit without any pressure, and Tata wanted to avoid any perception that he favoured Noel, as some in the company considered him as a natural successor.
The biography mentioned that Ratan Tata valued only talent and principles, not religion, community, or the person’s background.
Foreign Candidates To Succeed Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata even encouraged the committee to take interviews of foreign candidates as well. As per the book, he wanted to avoid any impression of opposition toward Noel if he wasn’t chosen as his successor.
Ratan’s Neutral Stance on Noel’s Candidacy
In the biography, Ratan Tata is quoted saying that Noel would have presented his capabilities more strongly if he gained experience with challenging tasks.
During an interview with a news outlet – The Times – Ratan Tata expressed that he also had risen step by step through business ranks. And if he had a son, he would have ensured he didn’t automatically inherit the top position.