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beIN Asia Pacific taps Guna Kaliannan as APAC content director
SINGAPORE: beIN Asia Pacific has appointed Guna Kaliannan as director, content (APAC), handing the regional content reins to a seasoned media and sports executive as competition for audiences, rights and relevance intensifies across Asia.
Kaliannan joins the broadcaster in January 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience across media, sport, live events and communications in the Asia-Pacific region. The appointment marks a return to an operating role after a career break taken for family caregiving.
In his new role, Kaliannan will oversee content strategy across markets, aligning global priorities with local audiences as beIN sharpens its APAC playbook across broadcast, OTT and experiential platforms.
A builder by instinct, Kaliannan has held senior leadership roles at GroupM (WPP), Singtel, Wasserman and The O4 Company, where he led regional expansion, market entry and revenue growth. His career spans the full content value chain — from rights acquisition and distribution to live events, talent, partnerships and brand-led experiences.
At The O4 Company, where he served as chief executive officer, Kaliannan designed and executed the firm’s APAC launch strategy, built a scalable ecosystem across content, experience, product, talent and community, and led the rollout of Gastrobeats Singapore, a flagship event that attracted more than 30 partners and sponsors.
Earlier, as commercial director for Asia Pacific at GroupM Entertainment, he oversaw operations across eight markets, delivering 30 per cent year-on-year growth within two years and driving expansion into South Asia. At Wasserman, he helped scale the consulting business in the region, generating over $1 million in annual revenues within 12 months.
Kaliannan’s earlier stints include senior roles at Singtel’s mio TV, where he led sports, Indian, Malay and kids’ content, as well as positions at Discovery Networks and ESPN Star Sports, grounding his career in content acquisition and broadcast economics.
Known for his “no sacred cows” approach, Kaliannan has built a reputation for questioning orthodoxies, integrating content with community and experience, and translating strategy into execution across diverse markets.
For beIN Asia Pacific, the hire signals intent: sharper content thinking, tougher commercial discipline and a renewed push to turn vision into impact — at speed.
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.
