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Fox Asia appoints Mike Rich as EVP, Dawes departs
MUMBAI: Fox Networks Group (FNG) Asia has named media the industry veteran Mike Rich as the executive vice president, advertising sales & content partnerships for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The company also announced that Simeon Dawes, who has been keen to focus full-time on his other business interest, will leave the group by the end of April.
In this enhanced role, Rich will lead teams across the region to identify new revenue streams for FNG Asia and its content partners, and to further strengthen FNG’s position as a leader in advertising innovation. He will report to Fox Network Groups Asia president Zubin Gandevia.
Rich has more than 25 years of media and marketing experience in agency and client roles, and he brings to FNG Asia a keen understanding of the content and media industry across the US, Europe and Asia. He most recently served as Global President of Publicis Media’s Content Ventures division. Prior to that, he was CEO of GroupM Asia’s content business. Rich has also consulted for a multitude of major rights owners.
Rich’s appointment follows the earlier hiring of Italo Zanzi as executive vice-president and managing director for Fox Sports as the group has been working to strengthen its sports, advertising sales and content creation teams across the region.
Gandevia said, “With an incredible portfolio of channel brands and the world’s greatest television programming, Fox has a unique opportunity to leverage its assets to expand and develop existing and new revenue streams in Asia. Simeon has been a key figure in building the Fox business in Asia and I want to thank him for everything he has done for us and wish him all the best. At the same time we are delighted that Mike is joining us to contribute his wealth of experience with brands, agencies and content to help us continue delivering innovative solutions and ignite our full commercial potential.”
Rich said, “The quality of global TV has never been better, and Fox is perfectly positioned to drive greater outcomes for consumers and commercial partners alike. Fox and I have ambitious plans in the content creation and digital distribution arenas, and I could not be happier to join such a forward-thinking global media business.”
Dawes added, “The time is right for me to focus on my other business interest as I’m able to leave Fox knowing that with Mike and Italo the right people are in place. For the past seven years I have also had an interest in building a health and nutrition distribution business and now I can turn my full attention to leading and growing that, something I’ve been keen to do for some time.”
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.
