Mumbai: YAAP Digital Ltd. has appointed media industry veteran Raj Nayak as its Chairman & Managing Director, following the passing of Founder, Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Atul Hegde on July 7, 2026.
The appointment, approved unanimously by the Board, marks a leadership transition as the company seeks to continue the strategic vision laid down by Hegde, who founded YAAP as a technology-led, digital-first marketing organisation focused on innovation and client-centric growth.
Nayak, who has been associated with YAAP as a member of its Advisory Board for the past two years, has known Hegde for nearly 25 years and has been closely involved in the company’s strategic evolution.
A media and communications industry veteran with over three decades of experience, Nayak has held leadership positions at STAR TV, NDTV Media and Viacom18. He has also served as President of The Advertising Club and the International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter, besides being a board member of the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).
The company said Nayak’s appointment reflects its commitment to preserving the values, culture and long-term vision established by Hegde while building on the existing leadership team’s efforts to drive sustainable growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Raj Nayak said: “I had known Atul for almost 25 years. He was not just a respected industry leader but also a dear friend, and over the last couple of years I had been closely associated with YAAP as a member of its Advisory Board.
Even though I had stepped away from corporate life to pursue entrepreneurship, Atul’s sudden passing compelled me to accept this responsibility to ensure that his legacy remains intact and his vision is carried forward. He built an outstanding organisation with a strong leadership team, a clear strategic direction, and a culture of innovation. The company is on a strong growth trajectory, and I have every confidence that the team will continue to build on the solid foundation he created.
This is not about replacing Atul. No one can. It is about supporting the leadership team, preserving the values he stood for, and helping realise the vision he was so deeply passionate about.”
Commenting on the appointment, Sudhir Menon, Promoter of The YAAP Group, said, “Raj has had a special bond with Yaap and Atul – and it’s a privilege for us to continue our partnership with a deeper impact and outcome. The board of Yaap welcomes Raj Nayak and is pleased to have such a senior, varied and respected professional be at the helm of The Yaap Group in times to come.”
