Mr Noel Tata receives honorary degree from Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil

The University has awarded Tata Group business leader and Sussex alumnus, Noel Tata, an honorary doctorate.  

Mr Tata, who studied Economics and graduated from the University of Sussex in 1978, was presented with his honorary degree by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil in Mumbai, on Thursday 30 January. 

Noel Tata said: “My time studying at Sussex was a rich and stimulating intellectual experience that had a formative influence on me. It is a privilege to be presented with an honorary degree from the University and I would like to thank Sussex for this recognition.”  

Noel has held a range of senior leadership positions within the Tata Group for over 40 years and has played a pivotal role in developing its fashion retail company, Trent. Under his strategic leadership, Trent expanded its portfolio to include Westside, Star Bazaar, and Zudio.  

Sasha said: “I am delighted to award an honorary doctorate to distinguished Sussex alumnus Noel Tata in recognition of his exceptional contribution to global business leadership. Noel is a highly respected leader in the corporate world and a champion of ethical business practices, and Sussex celebrates the positive difference that he has made to the Indian economy and to the lives of individuals and communities across India and beyond.” 

Noel currently holds multiple board positions across several Tata Group companies, including as the Chairman of Trent, Voltas, Tata International and Tata Investment Corporation, in addition to being Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited. In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group.