N Chandrasekaran’s Tenure Extended As Tata Eyes Next Growth Wave In Semiconductors, EVs And Airlines

Tata Trusts has reportedly approved a third executive term for Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, marking the first instance of the group waiving its retirement policy, The Economic Times reported.

Chandrasekaran, who turns 65 in February 2027, would normally have been required to step down under Tata Group rules that cap executive tenures at that age. However, according to the report, the Trusts decided to make an exception to ensure leadership continuity as the conglomerate advances major strategic projects in semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, and the revival of Air India.

“For the sake of continuity in functioning, it was felt that executive leadership was necessary to see through critical projects,” a person familiar with the discussions

told the paper.

The resolution—proposed by Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan—was unanimously passed at a Tata Trusts meeting on September 11 and forwarded to Tata Sons, which is expected to formalize Chandrasekaran’s third term in February 2026.

Tata Trusts, which holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons, declined to comment. Business Today could not independently verify the development.

The move represents a rare break from internal convention. While Tata executives can continue in non-executive roles until the age of 70, this is the first recorded waiver for an active leadership role. For instance, Noel Tata stepped down from executive responsibilities at 65 but retained non-executive positions.

The extension comes amid ongoing internal debates over whether Tata Sons should go public. A July resolution supporting its private status is reportedly being reviewed, and Chandrasekaran’s continued leadership is viewed as a stabilizing influence during this period.

Under Chandrasekaran’s tenure, Tata Group has nearly doubled its revenue and tripled its profit. The conglomerate reported revenue of Rs 15.34 lakh crore and profit of Rs 1.13 lakh crore in FY25.

However, a 30% decline in TCS shares has erased nearly Rs 6.9 lakh crore from the group’s market capitalization over the past year.