Atul built much more than a successful company: Raj Nayak

Raj Nayak has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of Yaap Digital Limited

by e4m Desk
Published: Jul 15, 2026 10:31 AM | 2 min read

Raj Nayak was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Yaap Digital Limited and shared a tribute to the late founder, Dr. Atul Hegde, on LinkedIn.
Nayak reflected on his previous decision to step away from corporate life but acknowledged that the loss of a close friend prompted him to return.
He expressed confidence in the leadership team and organizational culture established by Hegde, emphasizing the company's potential for growth.
Dr. Atul Hegde, who passed away on July 7 at the age of 53, was a prominent figure in India's advertising and digital marketing industry and founded Yaap Digital, which expanded into various marketing solutions.

A day after being appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Yaap Digital Limited, Raj Nayak shared a heartfelt note remembering his late friend and the company’s founder, Dr Atul Hegde.

In his note on LinkedIn, Nayak stated that he had consciously stepped away from corporate life a few years ago and had no plans to return. However, he said that life sometimes takes unexpected turns and the loss of a dear friend can change one's perspective.

"A few years ago, I consciously stepped away from corporate life, believing that chapter was behind me. I had no intention of returning. Life, however, sometimes has other plans. The loss of a dear friend changes your perspective. There are moments when you don’t step forward because you want to, but because you know it’s the right thing to do", Nayak wrote.

Nayak also expressed confidence in the leadership team and culture built by Dr Hegde. He said Atul had created much more than a successful company and had left behind an organisation with immense potential.

“What gives me strength is knowing that Atul built much more than a successful company. He built an exceptional leadership team, a strong culture and an organisation with immense potential. I have complete faith in the team, and I look forward to working alongside them as we carry forward the vision that Atul so passionately believed in,” Nayak said.

Atul Hegde, Founder and Chairman of YAAP Digital and a veteran of India’s advertising and digital marketing industry, passed away on July 7. He was 53. Hegde was best known for founding YAAP, which he built into an integrated digital marketing and technology company with operations across India and international markets. Under his leadership, the company expanded across content, influencer marketing, digital media, data and technology-led marketing solutions.