Noel Tata Named Voltas Chairman Emeritus; Sunil D’Souza to Succeed as Chairman

Noel N Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts has been appointed as Voltas Chairman Emeritus, following his decision to step down as its Chairman and Director. His retirement from the board will take effect on November 11, 2026, upon reaching the retirement age prescribed under Tata Group governance policies, as shared in media reports.

In a regulatory disclosure, the company stated that its Board had designated Noel Tata as Voltas Chairman Emeritus with effect from November 12, 2026.

Under the Companies Act, 2013, a person who has attained the age of 70 years cannot be appointed or continue as a managing director or whole-time director, subject to prescribed provisions and approvals.

Born on November 12, 1956, Noel Tata will turn 70 on November 12, 2026. He has been associated with Voltas since 2003, marking over two decades with the company.

As part of the leadership transition, the Board has appointed Sunil D’Souza as the new Chairman of Voltas. D’Souza currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL), the Tata Group’s FMCG business.

TCPL has a diverse consumer products portfolio spanning salt, tea, coffee, packaged foods and beverages, with brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Tea, Tetley and Tata Sampann.

“Voltas announced that the Board has designated Sunil Alaric D’Souza as Chairman of the company with effect from November 12, 2026.”

A further change in the company's leadership will take place in May 2027, when Managing Director CP Mukundan Menon completes his tenure and retires from service in line with the Tata Group's retirement guidelines for executive directors.

To ensure continuity, the Board has approved the appointment of Jayant Balan, currently Head of the Room Air Conditioner Business, as an Additional Director and Managing Director for a five-year term beginning May 25, 2027.

“As part of a planned succession process, the Board, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has approved the appointment of Jayant Balan, currently Head Room Air Conditioner Business, as an Additional Director and Managing Director of the company for a term of five years commencing from May 25, 2027,” Voltas said. The appointment will require shareholders’ approval.