HCL Technologies founder director and COO S Raman, whose inspiring personality and expansive vision steered the company for over 30 years, passed away today at the age of 69.

Raman had joined the HCL founding team 34 years ago, as a fellow-promoter and Technical Director of Hindustan Computers Ltd, and was responsible for architecting the company's IT business, a company statement said.

Raman is survived by wife and a daughter.

After taking retirement from HCL Technologies in 2005 due to health reasons, he came back to the company two years ago to lead its internal infrastructure projects.

Raman is remembered by his friends and colleagues as a soft spoken technocrat who led from the front.

Recounting the days with his colleague of over 30 years, HCL Tehnologies Chairman and founder of HCL Shiv Nadar said, "He was my sounding board for more than 38 years and I will miss both his wisdom and his company.