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Andrew Demaria upped to CNN Digital International VP & managing editor
MUMBAI: CNN Digital has elevated Andrew Demaria from CNN Digital Asia executive producer to CNN Digital International vice president and managing editor. As part of the new role, he will be responsible for leading all editorial efforts and new initiatives across CNN’s digital platforms and CNN Arabic. He will officially take over the new role at the beginning of April.
While Demaria has spent the last few years in Hong Kong; as part of the new role, he will relocate to London in the coming months.
In addition to being a senior leader for CNN Digital, CNN International and beyond, Demaria will work closely with CNN International newsgathering TV and digital senior vice president Deborah Rayner’s newsgathering editors and managers around the world, thus leading the network to more distinctive digital work on the biggest stories of the day.
“He will also collaborate with the sales teams to generate features and specials that appeal to both audiences and advertisers. He’ll also help identify new audiences and opportunities in new markets, working with teams across CNN Worldwide to seize what we all believe is a huge global digital potential for CNN across mobile, social and desktop,” said CNN Digital editor in chief Meredith Artley.
Demaria was earlier the CNN Travel editor in chief, where he launched and led a vertical that showcased creative work produced in five languages resulting in gangbuster growth. He’s spent time as a producer on the TV side, was part of the launch teams for CNN.com Asia and later CNN.com International and has had stints at the BBC and ABC (in Australia).
“Demaria’s scope and teams span the world. To that end, he will be spotted very often in London, Atlanta/NYC, Dubai and other corners, including Hong Kong, where he will be based for the next several months as he prepares to relocate to London,” added Artley.
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.
