A great philanthropist and business tycoon Ratan Tata passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 9. He was one of the most influential industrialists in the country spearheading more than 30 companies across over 100 countries. According to estimates the total wealth of the Tata Group is approximately USD 165 billion. Following Ratan Tata’s death discussions have arisen about who will take over his legacy. Let’s take a look at who might carry forward Tata’s legacy. How Chairmen Of These Trusts Chosen? It is done through a voting process where the person with the majority votes among trustees gains the position. Vijay Singh and Venu Srinivasan both vice-chairpersons stand little chance in securing the top spot. Noel Tata is expected to be the successor. His appointment would tap into the community sentiments given his Parsi lineage like Ratan Tata keeping the helm of the organisation within the Parsi fold. Dring 2023 financial year the trust collectively channelled over Rs 470 crore back to the community. How Many Trusts Was Ratan Tata Involved In? Ratan Tata did not designate a successor. This ignited a decision to select a chairman from the trustees of his own trusts. It is worth noting that Tata Group is primarily connected with two trusts - the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust. These trusts have a significant say in the workings of the group controlling an estimated 52 percent of shares in Tata Sons - the parent company of the Tata Group. This parent entity looks after various ventures within the Tata Group. The trusts have a total of 13 trustees with many serving dual roles across both trusts. Among these important people include Vijay Singh a former defence secretary Venu Srinivasan an expert in the automotive industry Ratan Tata’s half-brother and Trent chairman Noel Tata the businessman Meher Mistry and the lawyer Darius Khambata. Preference for Parsis Notably the historical fact is that only Parsis have managed the Tata Trust. Some of these people did not have a “Tata” surname and had no direct relationship with the family. The chances of Noel Tata being chosen as the chairperson of these trusts is high if chosen he will become the 11th chairperson of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the 6th chairperson of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. He holds positions on the board of six major companies including Trent Titan and Tata Steel. His involvement with trusts began in 2019 as a trustee for the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and he later joined the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust in 2022.