Sunil D’Souza has taken over as Chairman of Voltas, succeeding Noel Tata, who stepped down after reaching the age of 70 in accordance with Tata Group’s governance guidelines. The leadership transition took effect on November 12, 2026, marking a new chapter for the Tata Group’s leading air conditioning and engineering company.
D’Souza, who currently serves as Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, will continue in that position alongside his new responsibility at Voltas. Noel Tata has been appointed Chairman Emeritus after more than two decades of association with the company.
Who Is Sunil D’Souza?
Sunil Alaric D’Souza is a senior business executive with more than 30 years of experience across consumer goods, food and beverages, and home appliances.
An engineering graduate from the University of Madras and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C), D’Souza began his career with Hindustan Unilever (HUL) in 1993.
He subsequently spent nearly 15 years at PepsiCo, holding several leadership positions across food and beverage operations. His responsibilities included managing businesses in Asian markets such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.
In 2015, he joined Whirlpool India as Managing Director, leading the company’s operations and growth for more than four years.
D’Souza’s Journey with the Tata Group
D’Souza joined the Tata Group in April 2020 as Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, following the merger of Tata Global Beverages and the consumer products business of Tata Chemicals.
Under his leadership, Tata Consumer Products expanded beyond its traditional tea, coffee and salt portfolio into a broader food and beverage business.
The company strengthened its packaged food and wellness segments through acquisitions, including Capital Foods, which owns Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones, and Organic India in 2024.
He will now lead Voltas as Chairman while continuing to head Tata Consumer Products.
Noel Tata Moves to Chairman Emeritus Role
Noel Tata stepped down as Voltas Chairman and Director on November 11, upon reaching the retirement age prescribed under Tata Group governance guidelines.
He has been associated with Voltas since 2003 and played a significant role in the company’s growth and market position. He will continue as Chairman Emeritus from November 12.
The leadership change is part of a broader succession exercise across Tata Group companies following Noel Tata’s retirement from several board positions.
More Leadership Changes at Voltas
Voltas has also announced a transition in its Managing Director position. Current MD C.P. Mukundan Menon will complete his tenure on May 24, 2027.
Jayant Balan, currently heading Voltas’ Room Air Conditioner business, has been appointed Additional Director and Managing Director for a five-year term beginning May 25, 2027, subject to shareholder approval.
The appointments mark a broader leadership transition at Voltas as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.
