Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Former Murugappa Group Chairman Arunachalam Vellayan Passes Away at 72
Arunachalam Vellayan, a respected leader who was the former chairman of the Murugappa Group, has passed away at the age of 72.
He died on Monday after being sick for a while.
Mr. Vellayan guided many different businesses within the Murugappa Group for many years, helping the company grow and become well-known in India.
He was also the chairman of Coromandel International and EID Parry.
Before that, he studied at good schools in India and the UK.
He even received special honorary degrees for his accomplishments.
He is remembered for his contributions to various industries and institutions.
Arunachalam Vellayan, former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, passed away at 72 after a prolonged illness.
He was known for providing strategic direction to the Murugappa Group's diverse businesses over several decades.
Vellayan served as Chairman of Coromandel International Ltd and EID Parry Ltd, among other board positions.
He also led various industry and trade organizations and chaired the Board of Governors of IIM-Kozhikode.
He received honorary Doctor of Science degrees from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University, UK.
- Who
- Arunachalam Vellayan, former Chairman of the Murugappa Group and Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International
- What
- Passed away after a prolonged illness
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Chennai
- Why
- Prolonged illness
- Name
- Arunachalam Vellayan
- Age
- 72
- Position
- Former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International
- Death Date
- Monday
- Cause of Death
- Prolonged illness
- Family
- Survived by wife Lalitha Vellayan, sons Arun Vellayan and Narayanan Vellayan, and grandchildren
- Leadership Roles
- Chaired Coromandel International Ltd, EID Parry Ltd; Served on boards of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd, EXIM Bank, Indian Overseas Bank; Led industry organizations like Fertiliser Association of India, Indian Sugar Mills Association; Chaired Board of Governors of IIM-Kozhikode.
- Education
- The Doon School, Shriram College of Commerce, Aston University (UK), University of Warwick Business School (UK); Honored with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University, UK.
Sources
Arunachalam Vellayan, former Murugappa Group chairman, passes away at 72
In Memoriam: Industrialist and former Chairman of Murugappa Group, Arunchalam Vellayan passes away at 72
Vellayan has it all sized up
A Vellayan, the unassuming industrialist who doubled the Murugappa Group’s revenue to over ₹30,000 crore
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