Who is Maya Tata? The low-profile Tata heir reportedly set to shape company's next fashion chapter

For years, Maya Tata has stayed away from the headlines. Unlike many members of India's biggest business families, she has never been one for public appearances or media attention.

So when reports emerged that she could be taking on a bigger role at Westside, it naturally caught people's attention.According to a report in the Economic Times, the 37-year-old is expected to oversee Westside's online business and international e-commerce operations. The company hasn't confirmed the development yet, but the timing has sparked curiosity, especially with Trent Limited Chairman Noel Tata expected to retire later this year.If you've never heard much about Maya Tata before, that's not unusual.She is the youngest daughter of Noel Tata and the niece of the late Ratan Tata. Despite being part of one of India's most recognisable business families, she's built her career quietly, away from television cameras and social media buzz.Born in Mumbai, Maya studied at the University of Warwick before going on to pursue business management and finance in London. She later joined the Tata Group, where she worked under the guidance of Ratan Tata. Before moving to Tata Digital, she was also associated with Tata Capital's Tata Opportunities Fund.

She's not the only member of the family involved in the group's businesses. Her brother Neville Tata leads Star Bazaar, while her sister Leah Tata has worked in the hospitality business.But what makes this reported move interesting isn't just the family connection. It's the business she'll be stepping into.Westside has become one of the biggest names on the Indian high street. Walk into almost any large mall today and chances are you'll find one.

Over the years, it has built a loyal following for easy-to-wear fashion, affordable trends and private labels that appeal to everyone from college students to working professionals.And like every major fashion retailer, it's changing with the way people shop.

,Buying clothes is no longer just about visiting a store on the weekend. Many shoppers scroll through collections on their phones, save outfits, compare prices and place orders without ever entering a mall.

Fashion brands have had to rethink the way they connect with customers, and online shopping is now a huge part of that story.That's where Maya Tata's reported role fits in. If the reports are accurate, she'll be looking at the brand's digital business as well as its overseas e-commerce efforts at a time when the brand is beginning to reach customers outside India too.The retailer recently opened its first international store in the UAE, marking a new chapter for the brand.

Back home, it continues to grow steadily, opening dozens of new stores every year and expanding into more cities.For now, there's been no official word from the company about Maya Tata's appointment.Still, the reports have put the spotlight on someone who has largely stayed behind the scenes until now. Whether she chooses to keep that low profile or steps into a more public leadership role remains to be seen.Either way, as the brand enters its next phase, Maya Tata is a name the fashion industry is likely to hear a lot more often.