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Lachlan Murdoch to lead New Fox after Disney sale, James is out
MUMBAI: The Murdochs-led 21st Century Fox has unveiled a new executive structure of the upcoming New Fox group after Disney buys out its other assets as proposed.
Lachlan Murdoch will be chairman and CEO while father Rupert Murdoch will hold on as co-chairman. Since 2015, Lachlan has been executive chairman of 21st Century Fox. He works directly with the company’s senior management and board of directors in developing global strategies and setting the overall corporate vision. He also currently serves as co-chairman of News Corp and executive chairman of NOVA Entertainment, an Australian media company.
Speaking on the changes, Lachlan Murdoch said: “We have worked through the winter ‘standing up’ a reimagined independent Fox. I am very pleased that John has agreed to take on the role of chief operating officer, and together we look forward to making further announcements as to the management and structure of this new Fox as we get closer to closing our proposed transaction with Disney.”
21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch has found no place at New Fox, which is news and sports focussed. Instead, James will be launching his own venture.
Chief financial officer John Nallen will be the chief operating officer but current president Peter Rice didn’t find a seat at the helm. “The opportunity to reshape a business strategy and an operational approach uniquely tailored to the new Fox is truly compelling. I look forward to joining Lachlan as we begin to establish new Fox,” said Nallen.
“The new Fox will begin as the only media company solely focused on the domestic market; focused on what Americans love best—sports, news and entertainment, built and delivered for a US audience,” said Rupert Murdoch.
New Fox will have Fox News, Fox Business Network, Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Sports and Fox Television Stations Group as well as sports cable networks FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes and Big Ten Network.
A while ago, the Walt Disney Company agreed to a pay $52.4bn for Fox’s other assets including film and TV studios, US cable networks and international channels. Disney also gets a shot at National Geographic, FX and FXX, and even a 30 per cent interest in Hulu, which gives it a controlling stake in the US streamer. The deal also comes with stakes in Sky and Endemol Shine Group.
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.
