CHENNAI: Arunachalam Vellayan (72), former Chairman of the Murugappa Group and Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness, the โน902-billion Murugappa Group said in an official statement.A fourth-generation member of the Murugappa family and great-grandson of Dewan Bahadur Murugappa Chettiar โ founder of the 125-year-old conglomerate โ Vellayan is survived by his wife Lalitha Vellayan, sons Arun Vellayan and Narayanan Vellayan, and his grandchildren.A distinguished leader and one of the most respected members of the Murugappa Group, Vellayan spent several decades steering the growth of the conglomerate. Known for his strategic clarity, long-term vision, and integrity, he played a central role in strengthening and expanding the Groupโs diversified businesses. His leadership helped cement the Murugappa Groupโs reputation as one of Indiaโs most admired industrial houses.Vellayan served on the boards of several Group companies, including as Chairman of Coromandel International Ltd and EID Parry Ltd. His board experience also extended to Kanoria Chemicals & Industries, EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank.Beyond the Murugappa Group, Vellayan contributed significantly to Indiaโs industry bodies and institutions. He held leadership roles across major industry associations such as the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, Fertiliser Association of India, Indian Sugar Mills Association, and the All India Cycle Manufacturersโ Association. He also chaired the Board of Governors of IIM Kozhikode.An alumnus of The Doon School, Shriram College of Commerce, Aston University (UK) and the University of Warwick Business School (UK), Vellayan was honoured with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degrees by both Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University.Admired for his sharp business insights, leadership clarity and unwavering commitment to the Groupโs values, Shri Vellayanโs contributions have left a lasting imprint on the organisation, inspiring generations of leaders within the Group and beyond, it said.