Mumbai: Noel N. Tata has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) of Tata International. Based in Mumbai, Noel has stepped down as the MD of retail chain Trent to take his new position with Tata Group. However, he will continue as its non-executive Vice-Chairman, said a company spokesperson. Tata International is engaged in a wide range of businesses and trading of a variety of products like minerals, steel, ferro alloys and engineering products. Through its 100 percent subsidiary, Tata Africa Holdings, it is present in 11 African countries, China, southeast Asia and the Middle East. In Africa, it is acting as the lead arm, helping other Tata Group companies enter the growing African market. Under Noel Tata's guidance, Trent grew from a single store company in 1998 to a chain over 90 stores across formats, which include Westside, Star Bazaar, Landmark, Fashion Yatra, Sisley and Zara. Trent has entered into a strategic franchise and sourcing agreement with Britain's Tesco for the Star Bazaar business.