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Andy Kaplan is SPTI international networks president; John McMahon heads Europe
MUMBAI: In response to the growing demands of its distribution, networks and local language production businesses, Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has announced two senior level promotions to help lead its continued global expansion.
Andy Kaplan has been promoted to president, International Networks, and John McMahon has been promoted to president and MD, Europe. The announcement was made by SPTI president Michael Grindon to whom both report, states an official release.
SPTI is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television businesses outside of the United States and is the leading major Hollywood studio in local language production.
“Sony Pictures Television International is an extremely profitable part of Sony Pictures Entertainment and these promotions are in recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of these two individuals,” Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Michael Lynton.
“Under Andy Kaplan, our International Networks Group has successfully launched new channels in Asia, Europe and Latin America,” said Grindon. “His smart, strategic decisions have led to not only new channel launches, but also to expanding distribution, increased ratings and steadily growing advertising revenues.”
“John McMahon has expertly managed our growing television businesses in Europe, our most important international region,” Grindon continued. “He has assembled a talented executive team that continues to deliver steady growth across all of our businesses. John’s leadership skills and ability to coordinate and support complex operations across numerous territories is a terrific asset for Sony Pictures Television International.”
Based at SPTI’s headquarters in Culver City, California, Kaplan is responsible for all cable and satellite television networks and investments, which now number more than 40 channels throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. In close coordination with SPTI’s regional managing directors for Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America, as well as senior management of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, Kaplan oversees AXN, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) branded networks, and Animax, the first 24-hour network dedicated to popular Japanese anime. Kaplan also manages SPTI’s relationships with all international partner channel ventures, such as HBO in Asia, Central Europe and Latin America; and Showtime and Encore in Australia.
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.
