Ratan Tata took over the reins of the House of Tata 20 years ago, on July 1, 1991 from JRD Tata, who was then 77. If the present retirement rules of 70 remain, Mistry could be chairman of the group for almost 30 years. After retirement, Tata is expected to continue as chairman of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the two charitable trusts that hold 51% in Tata Sons. It is a position JRD held till his death. He could also follow in JRD's footsteps and become chairman emeritus of Tata Sons. Mistry, who succeeded his father on the board of Tata Sons over five years ago, has been managing director of the family-run SP Group's construction and infrastructure businesses. (His elder brother Shapoor handles the real estate and textile business.) Ironically, he was on the five-member search and selection panel for Ratan's successor, but is said to have recused himself when his name came up for consideration. Mistry, who is an Irish citizen by virtue of his mother being Irish, on Wednesday said he would "legally disassociate" himself from the management of his "family business" to avoid any "conflict of interest". Ratan Tata said of Mistry, "He has been on the board of Tata Sons since August 2006 and I have been impressed with the quality and calibre of his participation, his astute observations and his humility."
