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A+E Networks makes top-level APAC appointments
MUMBAI: A+E Networks has announced a slew of management changes for the Asia Pacific region. Alan Hodges is exiting as managing director of Asia Pacific, with Saugato Banerjee selected to run North Asia and Leena Singarajah joining the company to oversee Southeast Asia and Australia.
Banerjee, as managing director for North Asia, and Singarajah, managing director for Southeast Asia and Australia, both report to A+E Networks executive managing director for international Edward Sabin.
Banerjee has been with A+E Networks since 2011 as head of strategy and business development for Asia. He will continue to manage growth in Korea and Japan and will chart A+E’s continued expansion in China.
“Saugato has brought to bear his excellent relationships and deft strategic vision to our Japanese and Korean businesses, driving A+E’s unparalleled innovation and strong execution in the region,” Sabin said. “I am excited to see him apply these unique skills to the further growth of our Chinese business. We anticipate great success under his sage guidance and leadership.”
Banerjee–who joined A+E in 2011–has played a key role in the rapid expansion of the South East Asian business, overseeing the digital, operations and research functions for the area. He also carried out responsibilities as a caretaker GM of AETN18 in India during a crucial period of change.
Prior to A+E Networks, Banerjee held various senior roles in media and advertising in his previous jobs at ESPN Star Sports, CNBC Asia Pacific, Contract Advertising and FCB India.
“Expanding my role in North Asia is a welcome challenge as we forge ahead to optimise the media landscape,” said Banerjee. “This is truly an exciting stage in A+E Networks’ evolution and I am pleased to be working with such a talented group of executives, in market and internationally.”
Former Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) executive, Singarajah has joined A+E Networks as managing director for Southeast Asia and Australia. Based in Singapore, Singarajah will be responsible for managing and growing A+E’s channels and media assets across Southeast Asia and Australia. She will also be tasked with expanding A+E’s digital strategy to fuel further growth in the regions.
Most recently, Singarajah served as MD for Asia at SNI, where she was responsible for developing and executing the growth strategy for the company’s lifestyle brands. Prior to this, she was head of sales and business development for Asia-Pacific at IMG Media where she oversaw content and channel distribution.
“Leena is an aggressive, experienced and whip-smart executive whose vast knowledge of the industry and acute business skills will help extend the reach of the A+E Networks on every entertainment platform throughout Southeast Asia and Australia,” said Sabin.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at A+E Networks and to lead the continued expansion of the company’s globally recognised brands in these exciting markets,” said Singarajah.
Hodges has been with A+E Networks in Asia since 2002. “Over the past 12 years, our team has built A+E Networks into one of the top media companies in the region. It has been a privilege working on such a dynamic business with such a talented team. I leave with full confidence that our new leadership will be well positioned for another decade of growth.”
“Alan Hodges has been a pioneer in A+E’s Asia Pacific business, with big shoes to fill,” Sabin said. “In a little over a decade, he has nurtured and grown A+E’s brands in the region and has in the process created tremendous value for us commercially. He has also attracted, mentored and led countless top rank executives in the A+E fold, including Prem, who will also leave behind a legacy of great successes in the region.”
A+E Networks deputy managing director Prem Kamath is also leaving. He will remain with the company through the end of October before moving on to pursue opportunities in the digital space.
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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.
