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Thom Beers to quit FremantleMedia N. America Mullin & Cegielski upped as co-CEOs
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia North America CEO Thom Beers will be stepping down as CEO when his contract with the company concludes this summer. EVP current programming Jennifer Mullin and EVP scripted programming Craig Cegielski, who will be promoted to FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) co-CEOs, will replace Beers.
Mullin and Cegielski will report directly into FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz and will also have a seat on the FremantleMedia Operating Board from June this year. Mullin and Cegielski will partner to drive continued creative and strategic growth across all of the company’s key businesses.
Beers said, ”It’s been an unbelievable ride and I’ve been fortunate to build an incredibly talented team. We’ve launched shows in syndication and primetime, premiered our first scripted drama, created Buzzr, the company’s first linear channel, and leaped into the digital content business with Tiny Riot! I’m forever thankful to Cecile for her collaborative style, brilliant leadership and friendship. I couldn’t be more energized about FMNA’s future and I’m proud to pass the baton to two of my favorite powerhouses, Jennifer Mullin and Craig Cegielski.”
Frot-Coutaz added, ”Thom has made great strides for the US business. His extensive expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and innovative approach have opened new roads for the company, while building on its foundation. Jennifer and Craig are perfect successors to Thom. They are passionate, driven experts who will lead the business through the next exciting phase and continue to grow the accomplishments Thom made during his tenure. I can’t thank Thom enough for all that he has done for the company and I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer and Craig as they transition to lead the business.”
Mullin said, ”It’s been wonderful to see FMNA grow and innovate over the past 10 years. I’m so proud of our team, what’s been achieved and what’s ahead. Thom has been a terrific fearless leader and incredibly supportive for the past three years. I thank Cecile for this opportunity and her commitment to drive excellence for the business globally. I feel honored to take the reins at FMNA and partner with the brilliant Craig Cegielski. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
Cegielski said, ”I joined FremantleMedia to lead the scripted business in bold and dynamic programming, defining FMNA’s voice in the community. Over the past two years we’ve launched one series on air and sold over a dozen projects into development, while partnering with some of the greatest talent in the industry. I couldn’t thank Thom enough for his enthusiasm and support; and to Cecile for her ongoing commitment to our ambitions. I have a huge amount of respect for the incredibly talented Jennifer Mullin and I’m looking forward to us taking this company to new heights together.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
