Tata Trusts inducts Noel Tata’s son Neville, Bhaskar Bhat as trustees of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

Tata Trusts on Tuesday announced key changes to the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), one of India’s oldest philanthropic institutions. Neville Tata, son of Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, and group veteran Bhaskar Bhat have been inducted as trustees for a period of three years, effective November 12.

The board also appointed Venu Srinivasan as a trustee for three years, starting November 12, and designated him as the Vice Chairman of SDTT “in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.”

Neville Tata continues family legacy

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“The Board of Trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) held a meeting today and unanimously approved the induction of Mr Bhaskar Bhat and Mr Neville Tata as Trustees with effect from 12th November 2025 for a period of 3 years,” the Trust said in a statement, IANS reported.

Neville Tata, 32, is a graduate of Bayes Business School and currently serves on the boards of JRD Tata Trust, Tata Social Welfare Trust, and RD Tata Trust. He could also be inducted into the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), which, along with SDTT, jointly holds over 51 per cent of Tata Sons.

Also Read: Mehli Mistry resigns from Tata Trusts, citing Ratan Tata’s legacy and values

Bhaskar Bhat’s long association

Bhaskar Bhat, 71, began his career at Godrej & Boyce in 1978 before joining the Tata Watch Project, which later evolved into Titan. As Titan’s managing director from 2002 to 2019, Bhat played a crucial role in transforming the company’s portfolio beyond watches to include eyewear, jewellery, fragrances, and accessories.

Established in 1892, the Tata Trusts remain India’s oldest and among Asia’s largest philanthropic organisations. They continue to drive systemic change across multiple areas, from health and education to livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

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Recent developments

Earlier this month, Mehli Mistry announced his decision to step down as a trustee of Tata Trusts. In his letter to Noel Tata, Mistry reflected on a promise made to the Trusts’ late former chairman, Ratan Tata.

“My commitment to Mr. Ratan N Tata’s vision includes a responsibility to ensure that the Tata Trusts are not plunged into controversy. I believe that precipitating matters would cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts," he wrote in the letter.