Arunachalam Vellayan, one of India’s most respected industrial leaders and the former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, passed away on Monday at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of an era for the 124-year-old Murugappa conglomerate, where he played a transformative role in shaping the group’s growth trajectory and establishing its reputation as a trusted, diversified business house. A key figure in Indian industry, Vellayan leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, innovation, strategic thinking and an unwavering commitment to ethical business practices.

The Murugappa Group announced the news of his passing in a formal statement, noting that Vellayan is survived by his wife Lalitha Vellayan, two sons—Arun and Narayanan—and his grandchildren. The group expressed deep grief, highlighting the immense contributions he made over several decades, both within the conglomerate and in India’s wider industrial ecosystem. His stewardship helped strengthen the Group’s standing as a multidimensional enterprise with activities spanning agri-products, engineering, finance, and manufacturing.

Born on January 9, 1953, in Chennai, Arunachalam Vellayan was part of the fourth generation of the Murugappa family. His early life was shaped by exposure to an entrepreneurial environment and a deep sense of responsibility towards carrying forward the legacy of one of India’s oldest business families. After completing his schooling at The Doon School, one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, he pursued commerce at the highly regarded Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) at the University of Delhi. To further refine his expertise in business and management, he attended Aston University and the Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom, both known for their strong global business programs.

Throughout his career, Vellayan combined traditional business wisdom with a modern outlook. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening the Murugappa Group’s presence across multiple industries. Under his guidance, the conglomerate expanded its footprint nationally and globally, strengthening its position in key sectors such as fertilisers, sugar, engineering products, financial services, and cycles.

Vellayan was widely admired for his strategic insights. Industry observers frequently pointed to his ability to anticipate market shifts, nurture talent, and champion innovation as reasons for the Group’s robust performance across economic cycles. His tenure as Chairman of Coromandel International Ltd, one of India’s largest agricultural solutions providers, and EID Parry Ltd, a major producer in the sugar and nutraceutical segments, underscored his commitment to sectors that directly impact farmers and rural communities. Beyond these flagship companies, he also played an influential role in other businesses under the Group’s umbrella, helping streamline operations and ensuring sustainable business practices.

His achievements were not limited to the Murugappa Group companies. Vellayan also served on the boards of several other notable organisations, including Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd, EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank. These appointments reflected the trust and respect he earned across industries and institutions. His involvement with major financial and industrial entities contributed to shaping policy discussions, strengthening governance structures, and broadening India’s industrial capabilities.

Recognizing his contributions, academic institutions also honoured him. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Science degree, acknowledging his commitment to the agricultural sector through his work with Coromandel International. Aston University in the UK, one of his alma maters, also awarded him an honorary doctorate, celebrating his leadership and global business influence.

His contributions extended well beyond corporate leadership. Vellayan held prominent roles in major industry bodies, serving as a key voice in shaping policies and representing India’s industrial community. He chaired the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, one of the country’s oldest trade associations, where he worked to promote cooperation between businesses, governments, and regulators. His leadership of the Indian Sugar Mills Association and the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association illustrated his deep engagement with sectors critical to both rural and urban India. In addition, as Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India, he played a pivotal role in discussions around agricultural policy, farmer welfare, and the chemical fertilisers industry.

One of the important chapters of Vellayan’s life was his contribution to education. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K), one of India’s leading management schools. During his tenure, he championed academic excellence, industry-academia collaboration and modernization of management education. His influence helped strengthen IIM-K’s national and global standing, enhancing the institution’s capabilities to produce leaders equipped for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Vellayan was known for his understated personality, ethical grounding and ability to connect with people across walks of life. Employees and associates often remarked on his humility, willingness to listen and focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains. He was committed to corporate governance and responsible business practices, principles that are integral to the Murugappa Group’s operations.

Under his guidance, the Group embraced modernization, technology adoption and expansion into new sectors while retaining its commitment to community development and sustainability. Vellayan was a strong advocate of social responsibility, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability through various CSR efforts led by the Murugappa Group.

His passing comes at a time when the Murugappa Group continues to undergo significant expansion and innovation. For many, Vellayan represented both continuity and evolution—an embodiment of the Group’s heritage and its aspirations for the future. His thoughtful leadership, combined with his ability to mentor the next generation, ensured that the Group remained resilient and progressive.

In remembering Arunachalam Vellayan, the business community reflects on a leader who combined expansive vision with grounded pragmatism. His work impacted not just the conglomerate he helped steer but also the broader industrial landscape of India. Companies he led or guided continue to influence key sectors of the economy, and the institutions he served are stronger due to his involvement.

His absence leaves a significant void, but the values he stood for—integrity, strategic foresight, responsible leadership and service to society—will continue to shape the institutions he touched. As the Murugappa Group mourns the loss of one of its most respected leaders, tributes from across the corporate world highlight the profound imprint he leaves behind.

Arunachalam Vellayan’s life’s work stands as a testament to his dedication, discipline and vision. His legacy will continue to inspire future leaders within the Murugappa Group and across India’s industrial ecosystem, marking him as one of the nation’s distinguished business statesmen of his time.