Post by : Rameen Ariff

Arunachalam Vellayan, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Coromandel International and former head of the Murugappa Group, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Chennai following a prolonged illness. He was 72 years old.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lalitha Vellayan, as well as his sons Arun Vellayan and Narayanan Vellayan, along with grandchildren.

As highlighted in an official announcement, Vellayan played an instrumental role in the Murugappa Group for many years, driving the company's growth and long-term strategic vision. His focus on value creation and corporate integrity greatly contributed to the Group's status as one of India's prominent business conglomerates.

Professional Journey and Impact

Arunachalam Vellayan held pivotal positions on the boards of several Murugappa Group companies, including Coromandel International Ltd. and EID Parry Ltd., which he chaired during his tenure. In addition, he served on various external boards such as Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd., EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank.

Throughout his career, he supported various industry organizations, including the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, Fertiliser Association of India, Indian Sugar Mills Association, and All India Cycle Manufacturers Association. Furthermore, he was a chairperson for the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-Kozhikode), enhancing academic and institutional leadership.

Academic Background and Recognition

Mr. Vellayan was educated at The Doon School, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Aston University (U.K.), and the University of Warwick Business School (U.K.). In acknowledgment of his impactful contributions, he received honorary Doctor of Science degrees from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University.

Tributes and Condolences

In a formal statement, the Murugappa Group described Vellayan as a leader renowned for his “keen business insights, clear decision-making, and steadfast commitment to the Group’s values.” His leadership continues to set a precedent for future generations.

Expressing condolences, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin referred to his death as a profound loss for the industrial landscape of Tamil Nadu and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family.

Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, also conveyed his heartfelt condolences and recounted his long-term association with Mr. Vellayan, describing him as a personable and knowledgeable business leader with profound insights into international trade, economics, and management. He praised him as a “tall leader” and “institution builder,” emphasizing that the loss is deeply felt across the industry and the nation.

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