Mumbai: Long-time trustee Mehli Mistry has formally stepped down from Tata Trusts, ending weeks of speculation about his role. Mistry, a close associate of Ratan N. Tata, cited his commitment to the Tata Group patriarch's vision in an exit note sent to all trustees. His departure became effective on October 27, 2025, or October 28, 2025, depending on the source.^[1][2][3] Mistry's letter to the trustees, including Chairman Noel Tata, emphasized that "Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves."^[1][4][3] He attributed this quote directly to Ratan Tata.^[4][3] Mistry stated his decision aimed to prevent controversy and potential "irreparable harm" to the Trusts' reputation.^[1][3] ### Trusteeship Disagreement Leads to Departure The formal exit follows a disagreement over Mistry's reappointment as a lifetime trustee.^[1][5] A resolution passed by the Board of Trustees on October 17, last year, had proposed his reappointment.^[1][4] However, three trustees opposed this move for the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which are two key entities within the Tata philanthropic network.^[4][6][5] Mistry had also filed a preemptive caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.^[1][4] This action sought a hearing before any changes were made to the list of trustees.^[4][6] His exit now officially closes this chapter of his association with Tata Trusts.^[1][6] ### Upholding Ratan Tata's Vision In his farewell note, Mistry reaffirmed his loyalty to Ratan Tata's ideals.^[1][4] He wrote that his commitment included a responsibility to ensure the Tata Trusts avoid controversy.^[1][3] Mistry expressed hope that the actions of other trustees would be guided by principles of "transparency, good governance, and public interest."^[1][4][3] He described serving as a trustee as a "privilege" and an "honour bestowed upon him" by Ratan Tata, whom he called his "dearest friend and mentor."^[3][7][8] Mistry was a confidant of Ratan Tata and also an executor of his will.^[8] His tenure as a trustee lasted three years.^[8] He served on three key Tata Trusts: the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, and the Bai Hirabai J.N. Tata Navsari Charitable Institution Trust.^[3] ### Broader Implications for Tata Trusts The Tata Trusts hold a significant position within the vast Tata Group. They collectively control about two-thirds, or 66%, of Tata Sons, the holding company for the conglomerate's 30 companies.^[9][7] This includes major entities like Air India and Tata Steel.^[7] The Trusts are central to the group's governance and philanthropic decisions.^[3] Mistry's departure follows months of internal conflict and media speculation surrounding his trusteeship.^[2][10] Some observers view his exit as consolidating influence under Noel Tata, who became Chairman of Tata Trusts earlier this year.^[9] Mistry, who is the promoter of the M Pallonji Group of companies, has business interests in industrial painting, shipping, dredging, and car dealerships.^[3][11] Several Tata companies are associated with his ventures.^[3][11] Mistry's position on other boards, such as the Tata Education and Development Trust (TEDT), Breach Candy Hospital, and Tata Medical Centre, is under scrutiny.^[11] He remains on these boards for now.^[11] His exit underscores ongoing governance discussions within the Tata Trusts and the continued importance of Ratan Tata's legacy in guiding the organization's core values.^[4]

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