The Tata group, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, has begun searching for a successor to its group chairman, Ratan Tata.

Seventy-two-year-old Ratan Tata is due to retire in December 2012. The Group set up a panel to search for his successor yesterday.

The search committee has five members including an external member.

It was not disclosed who the members are.

"The Board of Tata Sons Ltd has formed a selection committee comprising five members, including an external member for eventually deciding on a suitable successor to Ratan N Tata," a group statement said.