In a significant leadership development within the Tata Group, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, will step down from his role as Chairman and Director of Tata Chemicals effective May 29, 2025.
The decision was officially acknowledged at the Board of Directors meeting of Tata Chemicals held on Wednesday. In a regulatory filing, the company disclosed that Chandrasekaran had communicated his intent to resign in a letter dated May 28, 2025.
“After careful evaluation of my current and future commitments, I have decided to step down from the Board,” Chandrasekaran wrote. “It has been a privilege to chair the Tata Chemicals board and I sincerely appreciate the support and collaboration during my tenure.”
S Padmanabhan to Lead Tata Chemicals Board
Following Chandrasekaran’s departure, the Board has appointed S Padmanabhan as the new Chairman of Tata Chemicals, effective May 30, 2025. Padmanabhan currently serves as a Director on the company’s board and is a veteran leader within the Tata Group.
Additionally, the Board, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of Modan Saha as an Additional Director (Non-Executive, Non-Independent) effective May 28, 2025. Saha is currently leading select strategic initiatives at Tata Sons.
Chandrasekaran’s Ongoing Focus: Tata Motors Demerger
Chandrasekaran’s exit from Tata Chemicals comes amid the ongoing restructuring within the Tata Group. Earlier this month, he addressed shareholders regarding the planned demerger of Tata Motors into two distinct listed entities — Commercial Vehicles (CV) and Passenger Vehicles (PV), which will include Electric Vehicles (EV) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
In Tata Motors’ 80th Integrated Annual Report (FY25), Chandrasekaran emphasized that the demerger will “bring strategic clarity and agility,” positioning each entity for focused execution and long-term value creation.
“The proposed demerger will deliver superior experiences for customers, rewarding careers for employees, and long-term returns for shareholders,” he added.
The demerger, which was approved by shareholders in early FY26, is expected to become effective in the second half of 2025, with shareholders receiving equivalent shares in both demerged entities.
