Published on: July 14, 2026
Mumbai | July 14, 2026: YAAP Digital has appointed media industry veteran Raj Nayak as its new Chairman and Managing Director following the passing of founder, Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Atul Hegde on July 7, 2026.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the company’s board. Nayak, who has been serving on YAAP’s Advisory Board for the past two years, has closely contributed to the company’s strategic direction during that period. In his new role, he will work alongside the existing leadership team to lead the company’s next phase of growth while preserving the vision established by Hegde.
Nayak brings more than three decades of leadership experience across India’s media, entertainment and advertising industries. Over the course of his career, he has held senior 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, while contributing to industry bodies including the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).
Speaking 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.”
Nayak shared a close professional and personal association with Hegde for nearly 25 years. His familiarity with YAAP’s leadership and long-term strategy is expected to support continuity as the company moves into its next phase.
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.”
The leadership transition comes at a significant time for YAAP as the company continues to build on the foundation established by Atul Hegde, with a continued focus on innovation, client growth and long-term business expansion.
