Poonian, CEO at Telecom, Dies at Age 50

Amrik Singh Poonian, founder and chief executive of Telecom Solutions Inc. in Lake Forest, died Tuesday of a heart attack. He was 50.

Poonian founded TSI in 1986, initially focusing on telecommunication networks designed for manufacturers and assembly factories. But over time, he realized that there was a demand for factory floor software--something to help eliminate paper clutter, automate the assembly process, and replace the mechanical and electronic controls traditionally used. The company blossomed and developed big-name aerospace clients such as McDonnell Douglas and Boeing Co., as well as landing numerous military and naval contracts.

For the last two years, the firm was among the top performers honored by the Southern California Fast 50, a list of the region’s fastest-growing technology companies assembled by the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.

TSI plans to name a successor for Poonian next week, company officials said Friday.

Poonian is survived by his wife, Ladeira; his son, Naveen; and five brothers. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana.