Overview
- The chairman emeritus of Coromandel International died in Chennai on November 17, 2025 after a prolonged illness.
- He is survived by his wife, Lalitha Vellayan, his sons, Arun and Narayanan Vellayan, and grandchildren.
- Vellayan earlier chaired Coromandel International and EID Parry and served on boards including Kanoria Chemicals, EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank.
- He led key industry groups such as the Fertiliser Association of India, the Indian Sugar Mills Association, the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, and the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association.
- He chaired the IIM‑Kozhikode board of governors and was an alumnus of The Doon School and SRCC who studied at Aston University and Warwick Business School, receiving honorary doctorates from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University.