Rohan Mirchandani, Epigamia Co-Founder, Dies at 42 After Cardiac Arrest: Report

Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder and CEO of the popular yogurt brand Epigamia, tragically passed away on December 21 at the age of 42. Reports indicate that Mirchandani succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of consumer brands.

Mirchandani, who was instrumental in building Drums Food International—the parent company of Epigamia—was known for his visionary leadership, innovative approach, and deep commitment to the brand. Epigamia, which has become India’s leading Greek yogurt brand, was born out of his passion for bringing innovation to the FMCG sector.

In a press release shared by NDTV Profit, the company’s leadership expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the indelible mark Mirchandani left on the organization. “Rohan was not only a visionary leader but also an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the company’s board stated. The senior leadership team, including Chief Operating Officer Ankur Goel and co-founder Uday Thakker, will now continue to oversee the daily operations of Epigamia, working to honor Mirchandani’s vision and ensure the brand’s continued growth.

Ankur Goel and Uday Thakker, in a joint statement, mourned the loss of their mentor and friend, stating that they are dedicated to carrying forward his legacy. “Rohan’s vision and values will continue to guide us, as we work together to honor the foundation he built and ensure that his dream continues to flourish,” they said.

Mirchandani, an alumnus of New York University’s Stern School of Business and the Wharton School, founded Drums Food International in 2013 after recognizing the lack of innovation in the FMCG space. Epigamia, under his leadership, gained widespread popularity for its Greek yogurt products, positioning itself as a disruptor in the traditional dairy sector.

Mirchandani’s passing comes in the wake of several high-profile deaths of startup industry leaders. Just months earlier, Rohan Malhotra, co-founder of the venture capital firm Good Capital, passed away in October, and Ambareesh Murty, co-founder of Pepperfry, died of cardiac arrest during a biking trip in 2023.

Epigamia, which counts Belgian investor Verlinvest, French dairy giant Danone, and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone among its investors, has rapidly grown into one of India’s most recognizable FMCG brands. Under Mirchandani’s leadership, the company transformed the yogurt industry and built a strong foundation for future growth.

Mirchandani’s untimely death is a significant loss to the startup ecosystem, but his legacy will continue to inspire entrepreneurs and industry leaders for years to come.

Sources By Agencies