Murugappa Group former chairman A Vellayan passes away at 72

CHENNAI: India Inc on Monday lost one of its most distinguished business statesmen with the passing of Arunachalam Vellayan, former chairman, Murugappa Group, after a prolonged illness. He was 72.

A leader who combined razor-sharp strategic acumen with humility, grace and an instinctive understanding of people, Vellayan leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of one of India’s oldest conglomerates.

Widely admired for his grasp of economics, markets and global trade, Vellayan was also known as a mentor, who shaped the next-generation of Murugappa leadership with patience and clarity. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, sons Arun and Narayanan, and grandchildren.

Venu Srinivasan, chairman emeritus, TVS Motor Company, who had known him for over six decades, recalled a man of rare personal warmth and exceptional intellect. “He was extremely personable and helpful as a friend. As a business leader, he had a high level of business acumen and a good grasp for men and matters, including international trade, economics and general management. He was a tall leader of my generation, a great institution builder, and it is an irreparable loss for industry and the country. I would personally miss him greatly,” he said.

KE Ranganathan, former MD-CEO, Roca Parryware, who worked closely with him for over 25 years, remembered him as “a master strategist when it comes to business.” He credited Vellayan for spotting the opportunity for Parryware to expand into behind-the-wall plumbing systems, CPVC, UPVC and SWR pipes and fittings, a move that would later become a significant value driver. “He was equally strong in execution. He gave complete freedom to leaders to operate, but his guidance in review meetings was noteworthy. He constantly visited factories, markets and customers to understand ground realities,” Ranganathan said, calling him the “architect” of Parryware’s transformation before its eventual joint venture with Roca in 2005 and subsequent sale.

Beyond strategy, it was Vellayan’s human touch that left a deep mark. Ranganathan recalled how board meetings under his leadership always included discussions on CSR and HR with the same seriousness as financials. “I have seen him focus on 360-degree aspects of business, not just profits. I have lost a true leader,” he said.

Economic analyst and veteran business journalist V Balasubramanian said Vellayan was “a big inspiration,” who played a pivotal role in guiding the Murugappa family’s next generation. He credited him with major expansions in sugar and fertilisers and noted his passion for promoting bicycles as eco-friendly lifestyle products.

Balasubramanian recalled Vellayan’s clear-eyed approach to business decisions, including the group’s Rs 700-crore exit from Parryware. “In Murugappa, we don’t mix sentiments with good business sense,” Vellayan had famously said. He displayed similar clarity when the group’s NBFC arm, Cholamandalam Investment, ended its joint venture with DBS Singapore. Vellayan ensured a smooth separation and then worked tirelessly to revive and rebuild the financial services business.

Like his father, the late MV Arunachalam, Vellayan championed the cause of key industries, sugar and fertilisers, at the national level through bodies such as FICCI, FAI and ISMA, Balasubramanian recalled.

Over decades at the Murugappa Group, Vellayan provided strategic direction across businesses including Coromandel International and EID Parry, served on the Boards of EXIM Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Kanoria Chemicals, and held leadership roles in multiple trade organisations. He also chaired the Board of Governors of IIM-Kozhikode.

An alumnus of The Doon School, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Aston University and Warwick Business School, Vellayan received honorary doctorates from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University.

In a statement, the Murugappa Group said, “His vision, integrity and long-term approach to value creation helped strengthen and expand the Group.” His influence would continue to inspire “generations of leaders within the Group and beyond.”

A leader of quiet power and enduring impact, A Vellayan leaves behind not just a storied organisation, but a legacy of wisdom, clarity and compassion.