Murugappa Group Veteran Arunachalam Vellayan Passes Away at 72

Arunachalam Vellayan, Former Murugappa Group Chairman, Passes Away at 72

Arunachalam Vellayan, one of India’s most respected industrial leaders and a fourth-generation member of the Murugappa family, passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Widely admired for his visionary leadership and ethics, Vellayan played a pivotal role in shaping the growth trajectory of the 125-year-old Murugappa Group , one of India’s largest diversified conglomerates.

Decades of Leadership in a Legacy Conglomerate

Vellayan served as Chairman of the Murugappa Group and Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International , overseeing strategic expansion across sectors such as fertilizers, sugar, engineering, and financial services. His leadership emphasised discipline, sustainability and governance—values long associated with the Group’s operational culture.

Board Memberships and Corporate Influence

Beyond his leadership within the Group, Vellayan served on the boards of Coromandel International, EID Parry, EXIM Bank , and Indian Overseas Bank , contributing to corporate reforms, sectoral growth and long-term institutional stability. His strategic insights were instrumental in strengthening multiple businesses within the Group and supporting India’s industrial ecosystem.

Prominent Roles in National Industry Bodies

Vellayan also played a significant role in India’s industrial and policy landscape, having led major organisations such as the Southern India Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) , Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) , Indian Sugar Mills Association , and the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association . As Chair of the Board of Governors at IIM Kozhikode , he championed excellence in management education.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Former Chairman, Murugappa Group ; Chairman Emeritus, Coromandel International .

• Served on boards of EID Parry, EXIM Bank, Indian Overseas Bank .

• Held leadership roles in FAI, SICCI , and other industry associations.

• Educated at Doon School, SRCC, Aston University, Warwick Business School .

Legacy and This Article Related To

Vellayan leaves behind a legacy defined by ethical leadership, strategic acumen and a strong commitment to institution-building. His contributions shaped Indian industry, agriculture, finance and education for over four decades.