Tata Trusts Reappoints Venu Srinivasan as Trustee for Life Amid Internal Tensions

Tata Trusts has unanimously reappointed Venu Srinivasan as a trustee for life, ahead of the expiration of his current term on October 23, 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision comes amid reported internal disagreements within the philanthropic organization, which oversees a significant portion of the Tata Group’s charitable and financial interests.

Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group, manages several key entities, including the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, and holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate. The reappointment of Srinivasan, a prominent industrialist and long-serving trustee, required unanimous approval from the board, reflecting the organization’s established protocols for lifetime appointments. While the Trust declined to comment officially, insiders confirmed the unanimous decision.

Attention now turns to the reappointment of Mehli Mistry, whose term expires on October 28, 2025. Like Srinivasan, Mistry’s renewal for a lifetime tenure requires unanimous board approval. Sources indicate that his reappointment could prove more contentious due to the organization’s ongoing internal alignments.

Reports suggest that Tata Trusts has been divided into factions: one backing Noel Tata, who assumed leadership responsibilities following the passing of Ratan Tata, and another aligned with Mistry, who has connections to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, a prominent shareholder with over 18% stake in Tata Sons. Analysts note that these internal dynamics could influence the broader strategic direction of the Trusts and, by extension, the Tata Group’s governance and decision-making processes.

Srinivasan’s reappointment underscores the board’s intention to maintain continuity in leadership amid these internal disputes. Observers say his lifetime tenure is expected to provide stability during a period of organizational tension. Meanwhile, the broader business and philanthropic community is closely watching the unfolding developments, given Tata Trusts’ central role in both India’s corporate and charitable landscape.

As the Trust prepares for Mistry’s reappointment, the outcomes of these decisions may shape the future governance of one of India’s most influential philanthropic institutions and its relationship with the wider Tata conglomerate.