Maya and Leah Tata, daughters of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, have been appointed as trustees of the Sir Ratan Tata Industrial Institute (SRTII), a unit focused on empowering women through employment opportunities. The sisters replaced outgoing trustees Arnaz Kotwal and Freddy Talati, marking a new phase of leadership within the institute.

 

This development places all of Noel Tata’s children—Maya, Leah, and Neville—on the boards of the smaller Tata Trusts. However, they are yet to secure positions on the primary trusts, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, which hold greater influence within the Tata philanthropic ecosystem.

 

Noel Tata, who assumed the role of Tata Trusts chairman in October 2024, now faces internal tensions following these appointments. Arnaz Kotwal, one of the outgoing trustees, expressed dissatisfaction over her removal, citing a lack of direct communication and alleging pressure from senior executives. In a letter to fellow trustees, she revealed her disappointment with the manner of her exit, stating she was blindsided by the decision.