News Headline
FIC promotes Keertan Adyanthaya as EVP Hong Kong & SE Asia
MUMBAI: Fox International Channels head of entertainment and factual channels for Hong Kong & Southeast Asia Keertan Adyanthaya has been elevated as executive vice president – content and communications – Hong Kong & Southeast Asia with effect from 1 September.
In his new role, Adyanthaya will be responsible for all content, channel operations and marketing for the HK and SE Asia covering Hollywood and Chinese entertainment as well as factual genres.
It may be recalled that a couple of months back Adyanthaya, who was heading FIC’s India operations as NGC Network India managing director, was re-located to Hong Kong to handle a broader portfolio.
Adyanthaya elevation is one of many structural reshuffling done by FIC in north Asia so as to align with its new strategy as the company positions itself for a growth spurt in China with an aim to ramp up its investment in production of Chinese content and communications. The restructuring exercise reflects emerging opportunities in these markets including China, Japan and Korea.
FIC Asia Pacific and Middle East president Zubin Gandevia said, “Japan and Korea are two of the biggest media markets in our footprint. In view of recent strategic partnerships we’ve forged in both countries, including with JTBC to launch JTBC3 FOX Sports in Korea and with Avex in Japan as part of an OTT offering, we see massive potential for further growth in these markets.”
As a part of the restructuring, FIC managing director for SE Asia and Hong Kong Joon Lee will now move into a dual role, which is focused on driving growth initiatives in Japan and Korea as well as increasing FIC’s share of the growing opportunities in original Chinese production as executive vice president, North Asia & head of original productions – Mainland China.
“Joon’s unique combination of experience – his familiarity with our businesses in both countries plus his proven leadership and creativity – will be invaluable in helping us to dive deeper in these markets,” added Gandevia.
On the other hand, Simeon Dawes has been named FIC EVP ad sales and partnerships and MD – Hong Kong, Southeast Asia & Middle East and will take over some of Lee’s responsibilities in Hong Kong and southeast Asia, even as he will continue to oversee FIC’s Middle Eastern business and ad sales across Asia Pacific.
FIC EVP commercial and sports Rohit D’Silva will continue in his current role, which includes the FOX Sports Asia business as well as affiliate and content partnerships, and non-linear products.
“Keertan’s proven successes with content-driven initiatives will complement Simeon and Rohit’s ability to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with our advertisers and platform partners. All four executives are proven leaders in FIC and will without a doubt propel our businesses in North and Southeast Asia to new heights,” Gandevia said.
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.
