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Banijay retains Anne Van Sprang as HR lead
MUMBAI: Banijay has confirmed that Anne Van Sprang will continue to lead its HR department as chief human resources officer. Based in Paris, she is the group’s global strategic departmental head, consulting on the company’s worldwide structure, operations and employee relations.
Championing best practice, Van Sprang joined Banijay from Kering Group, where for two years, she was at the forefront of devising and implementing the business’ HR strategy, as well as overseeing the HR function for the technology and digital division across its 13-territory footprint. Prior to this, she was human resources director at Canal +, providing full HR support to the technical and IT division thus contributing to the digital transformation of the group. She has also held roles at TDF Group and Carrefour.
A leading HR partner, Van Sprang has spearheaded Banijay’s integration with Endemol Shine Group, supporting chief executive officer, Marco Bassetti, and the global leadership team, in building a footprint comprising the world’s best creative entrepreneurs. Overseeing the department’s worldwide operations, she continues to collaborate with the footprint’s HR partners to combine teams and systems, and drive a joined-up, inclusive and responsible approach.
Marco Bassetti said, “Shortly after Anne joined us, we embarked on our acquisition of Endemol, and from the start, she has been a key player in the process. Guiding us on the integration and driving the successful merge of these two businesses, she has been an invaluable partner and voice in our biggest move yet. With her help, we are proud to be building one of the world’s most significant and innovative creative engines.”
Anne Van Sprang said, “Talent has and will always be key to Banijay. Our creative community is at the heart of all we do and since the recent acquisition, we can categorically say we have 22 territories brimming with the most inspired minds in the business. And, with a great global HR team by my side, I am confident we can continue to attract, develop and retain the best talent in the content industry while driving new employee initiatives and best practice across our far-reaching operations.”
Van Sprang reports to CEO Marco Bassetti in her new role.
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.
