YAAP Digital has appointed Raj Nayak as its Chairman & Managing Director following the demise of its Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Dr. Atul Hegde, on July 7, 2026. The appointment has been approved unanimously by the company’s Board as it moves forward with its leadership transition.
The company has stated that Nayak has been associated with Hegde for nearly 25 years and has served on YAAP Digital’s Advisory Board for the past two years. His appointment has reflected the Board’s confidence in his understanding of the company’s vision and strategic direction.
Prior to joining YAAP Digital, Nayak has built a career spanning more than three decades in the media and communications industry. He has held leadership roles 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, and as a Board Member of the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).
The company has said that Nayak will work with the existing leadership team to build on the foundation established by Dr. Hegde and guide YAAP Digital through its next phase of growth while continuing its strategic direction.
Nayak, Chairman and Managing Director, YAAP Digital, 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.”
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.”
