Jimmy Tata’s absence speaks loudly at Trusts

MUMBAI: He says nothing and chooses not to vote, but his silence speaks volumes at Tata Trusts. Jimmy Naval Tata, 85, the reclusive younger brother of the late Tata Trusts chairman Ratan Tata and a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), stayed away from voting on Tuesday on Mehli Mistry's reappointment as a lifelong trustee.

Yet his silence mattered. SRTT follows a unique voting system where resolutions require unanimous approval from trustees. In this context, Jimmy's decision not to participate was significant. His vote can sway key decisions at SRTT and within the broader Tata Trusts, but he typically refrains from board discussions and resolutions. If even one trustee at SRTT votes against a proposal, it fails. By contrast, resolutions at the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) need only a majority vote.

When TOI asked Jimmy Tata about the events at Tata Trusts, including Mistry's reappointment and the reported differences among trustees, he said, "I would not like to comment." Joint minutes of SRTT and SDTT show that Jimmy "did not attend" the Oct 17, 2024, meeting where major decisions, including the terms for reappointment of a trustee for life, were taken. Currently based in Pune, Jimmy, who keeps himself informed about developments within the Tata Group, particularly at Tata Trusts and Tata Sons, was last seen publicly at Ratan Tata's funeral in Mumbai on Oct 10 last year.

In his will, Ratan Tata left his share in the family's Juhu property, along with jewellery and silver articles, to Jimmy. He also owns 3,262 shares of Tata Sons, valued at several crores of rupees. Jimmy inherited his trusteeship at SRTT under his father Naval Tata's will.