New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Arunachalam Vellayan, former Chairman of the Murugappa Group and Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International, died on Monday after a prolonged illness.

Vellayan (72) passed earlier today after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife Lalitha Vellayan, his sons Arun Vellayan and Narayanan Vellayan, and grandchildren, the Murugappa Group said in a statement.

For several decades, he provided strategic direction across diversified businesses of the group, helping expand and enhance its reputation as one of India's most respected conglomerates.

He served on the Boards of various companies in the Murugappa Group, including as Chairman of Coromandel International Ltd and EID Parry Ltd.

He also served on the boa...