Ratan Tata began to question Cyrus Mistry’s suitability as chairman-designate of Tata Sons by the end of Mistry’s first year as his apprentice, according to a recently published biography, ‘Ratan Tata: A Life’ by Thomas Mathew. The book reveals that Tata felt he suffered more from the decision to dismiss Mistry as Chairman in October 2016 than Mistry himself did. Ratan Tata (R) began having second thoughts about Cyrus Mistry even before the latter formally taking over the position.(Kalpak Pathak/HT File Photo) The book claims that Ratan Tata began having second thoughts about Mistry even before the latter formally taking over the position fully. Mistry was appointed in 2011 following a global search by a selection committee, with Tata’s full endorsement, despite some concerns from seasoned members of the group. For a year, Mistry held the title of “Chairman designate” before officially assuming the role after Tata’s retirement in December 2012. When approving Mistry’s selection, Tata made two key stipulations. He insisted that Cyrus Mistry, then managing director of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, sever all ties …