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Patrick Schult replaces Sue Adams as Fremantle Productions Asia MD
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced the appointment of Patrick Schult as managing director of the company’s Asian outfit, Fremantle Productions Asia.
Previously director of operations, Asia and based in Singapore, Schult takes overall responsibility for the company’s production businesses in the region, with immediate effect. He will report to Asia Pacific director of operations Simon Spalding.
Schult succeeds Sue Adams who has decided to leave FremantleMedia after nine years with the company. Adams will step down this month but will continue to work as a consultant until April 2006 to ensure a smooth transition.
Commenting on the announcement, Spalding said: “Sue has been an integral member of the team and I am very sorry that she has decided to leave the company. I am delighted that Patrick has agreed to manage our Asian operation and am confident that, with his wealth of experience, leadership qualities and drive, he is the ideal executive to succeed Sue and further build upon the company’s position as a leading player in the region.”
Schult added: “I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to manage our Asian production business. I look forward to taking the business to even greater heights and strengthening our competitive position in the marketplace.”
Schult was promoted to director of operations in March 2004 from the role of senior VP, production and development, Southern Europe. In this role, he was responsible for operations in FremantleMedia offices across the region, including the production and development of programming in Asia, and in particular, ensuring the smooth roll-out of the Idols format in the region, states an official release.
As senior VP, production and development, Southern Europe, Schult provided creative leadership in the production, development and selling of programmes in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Prior to this, he was general manager, Fremantle Productions Asia and was instrumental in building the production and licensing business in Asia, the release adds.
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.
