New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, will step down from the boards of six major Tata Group companies on 12 November, when he turns 70. The move is neither sudden nor related to the ongoing tussle within the conglomerate over the listing of Tata Sons and the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as the Executive Chairman for a third five-year term. Instead, Noel Tata's exit is understood to be in line with the group's retirement policy for non-executive directors.

Upon turning 70, Noel Tata will cease to be the non-executive chairman of Trent, Voltas, Tata Investment Corporation, and non-executive vice-chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company. His succession plan has not yet been announced.

Despite stepping down from th...