In a significant development within India's corporate landscape, former Citibank India CEO Pramit Jhaveri has decided not to seek reappointment as a trustee on the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). His current term is set to conclude on February 11, 2026, and he has formally communicated his decision to step down, signaling a notable shift in the governance dynamics of the Tata Trusts.
Formal Resignation and Expected Move
Jhaveri conveyed his decision through a letter addressed to Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, with copies sent to other trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. In the correspondence, he stated, "I have served as a Trustee of the Sir Dorab Tata Trust (SDTT) since February 12, 2020, when Ratan N. Tata invited me to join as a Trustee. As discussed with you some days ago, I am now writing to let you know that I do not wish to be considered for re-appointment as a Trustee of SDTT when my current term expires on February 11, 2026."
A senior Tata group official commented on the matter, noting, "The letter stepping down before he comes up for another term on February 11 has been sent to Noel Tata and copied to other trustees of the Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust. It was expected." This anticipation stems from recent tensions and realignments within the Tata Trusts framework.
Background of Tensions and Previous Exits
The Tata Trusts have experienced internal discord over the past year, particularly regarding key appointments. Last year, four trustees—Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambatta, Jehangir H.C. Jehangir, and Mehli Mistry—opposed the reappointment of Vijay Singh as nominee director on the board of Tata Sons, the group's principal holding company. This opposition led to an unprecedented split within the Tata Trusts, with Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan supporting Singh, highlighting rare public disagreements within one of India's most respected corporate institutions.
Subsequently, Mehli Mistry was voted out from the Tata Trusts on October 28 when his reappointment came up for approval. On November 4, 2025, Mistry parted ways with the Tata group, citing concerns that "precipitating matters would cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts." Mistry, a long-time associate of Ratan Tata and a cousin of former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, had played a behind-the-scenes role during critical strategic phases of the Trusts' operations.
Consolidation Under Noel Tata
The exits of both Mistry and Jhaveri are viewed as part of a broader consolidation of influence by Noel Tata, who succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman earlier last year. These departures underscore shifting power equations within the Tata Trusts, as Noel Tata strengthens his position in overseeing the group's strategic direction.
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust are the two principal trusts within the Tata Trusts framework, collectively playing a decisive role in overseeing the Tata Group through their shareholding in Tata Sons. The current trustees of SDTT include:
- Noel N. Tata (Chairman)
- Venu Srinivasan of the TVS group
- Former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh
- Pramit Jhaveri (until February 11, 2026)
- Senior lawyer Darius Khambata
- Neville N. Tata (son of Noel Tata)
- Former Titan MD Bhaskar Bhat
Recent Developments and Procedural Hurdles
In November 2025, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust unanimously approved the induction of Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat as trustees for a three-year term beginning November 12. However, procedural issues delayed Neville Tata's induction into the Sir Ratan Tata Trusts (SRTT) board. On January 17, the SRTT board could not induct Neville Tata as anticipated, with the meeting being postponed amid uncertainty over the timing of his appointment.
This series of events reflects ongoing adjustments within the Tata Trusts' leadership structure, as Noel Tata navigates challenges and seeks to align the trusts with his vision for the future of the Tata Group.
The departure of Pramit Jhaveri marks another chapter in the evolving narrative of the Tata Trusts, highlighting the complex interplay of corporate governance, legacy, and strategic consolidation in one of India's most iconic business conglomerates.
