The Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF) is set to become the main channel for handling the late industry giant’s vast wealth. Established in 2022 as a non-profit organization, RTEF will receive most of Ratan Tata’s estimated ₹10,000 crore estate. This includes his valuable stakes in Tata Sons and other Tata Group companies.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran is expected to lead the foundation, continuing Tata’s vision for social welfare and service.
RTEF has already made significant investments, such as ₹147 crore in Tata Technologies before its 2023 IPO. It also holds a stake in Tata Digital, the company that runs Tata Neu. According to Tata’s will, the foundation will benefit from the sale of his startup investments through RNT Associates and RNT Advisers, boosting its charitable efforts.
Beyond corporate generosity, Tata’s will provides for close family members. His brother, Jimmy Tata, and half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, are included. Loyal household staff like his cook, Rajan Shaw, and butler, Subbiah, are also beneficiaries, honoring their decades of service.
Shantanu Naidu, Tata’s executive assistant and close confidant, is another notable beneficiary. Tata reportedly forgave a personal loan Naidu took for his education and gave up his stake in Naidu’s companionship startup, Goodfellows. This act highlights the deep bond between them.
In a rare move for India, Tata ensured lifelong care for his beloved German Shepherd, Tito. Adopted 5-6 years ago, Tito will continue to be cared for by Shaw, with the will guaranteeing “unlimited” care for the dog—an act more typical in Western countries.
Tata’s personal estate is also significant. His collection of 20-30 luxury cars, kept at his Colaba residence and Taj Wellington Mews, is yet to be assigned. Options include auctioning them or placing them on public display. His iconic beach bungalow in Alibaug and his Mumbai residence on Juhu Tara Road are part of the estate, though their future is undecided.
As the will awaits approval in the Bombay High Court, the RTEF is set to play a key role in distributing Tata’s wealth. While these details have not been independently verified by Business Today, it’s clear that through the RTEF, Tata’s fortune will continue to uplift society.
