Bahram N Vakil will succeed Noel Tata as chairman of Trent Ltd on November 12, marking a major leadership transition for the Tata Group retail business. According to reports from CNBC TV18, the appointments were approved during the board meeting on October 29. Vakil's appointment marks a shift from a business leader associated with the expansion of the group's retail operations to a corporate lawyer with experience in financial restructuring, insolvency and project finance. The transition comes at a time when tensions between the Tata Sons board and Tata Trusts, led by Noel Tata, have intensified over control of the group.
Noel Tata will retire as chairman and director at the close of business on November 11, following nearly 29 years of association with Trent. As reported by CNBC TV18, Noel Tata has been associated with Trent since 1997 and played a key role in the company's growth and expansion in India's retail sector. The company's exchange filing stated that his leadership had helped Trent achieve important milestones, strengthen its market position and deliver sustained growth for stakeholders. He will continue his association with the company as chairman emeritus.
Bahram Vakil is the co-founder of AZB & Partners, one of India's leading law firms. According to CNBC TV18, he has built his career in corporate law, restructuring, insolvency, infrastructure and project finance. Vakil holds an LLM degree from Columbia University and is a member of the New York State Bar. He became part of the board of Tata Investment Corporation in March 2025, taking on the roles of vice-chairman and independent director. Over his legal career, Vakil has advised distressed funds, insolvency professionals and domestic and international banks on restructuring and bankruptcy matters. His name had also figured among the possible candidates for a position on the Tata Sons board during discussions on board vacancies.
The transition comes amid differences between the Tata Sons board and Tata Trusts over the group's governance and control. As reported by CNBC TV18, the board approved the transition at its meeting on October 29, in accordance with the Tata Group's governance guidelines relating to board composition and director retirement. The appointment represents a significant change in leadership approach for Trent's operations within the broader Tata Group structure. Trent is one of India's leading retail chains, with a market capitalisation of ₹1.63 lakh crore.
