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FremantleMedia expands Asia business; makes senior hires
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has made some senior appointments in key Asian markets as the business steps up its growth in the region.
Glenn Sims will move to Singapore to become director of creative content, with responsibility for the creative output and sales for the Singapore business. Sims is currently serving FremantleMedia as SVP – content and production for Indonesian operations.
In this newly-created role, Sims will be responsible for driving FremantleMedia’s pan-Asian productions, following the success of Asia’s Got Talent this year, the company’s regional production which was broadcast in more than 20 countries.
In addition, Asia managing director Paul O’Hanlon will move to a new role as creative director – China after taking some personal leave to welcome his first child in September.
In China, O’Hanlon will work closely with new CEO Vivian Yin to drive the continued expansion of FremantleMedia’s China business, particularly looking to leverage the recently-signed joint venture between Shanghai Media Group’s BesTV, China Media Capital and FremantleMedia to create and develop entertainment formats for the China market.
FremantleMedia Melbourne managing director and director of business operations Don Keyte will move to Singapore as commercial production management executive. He will report to FremantleMedia Australia chief operating officer Simon Rabbitt, who has now taken on the additional responsibility of Asia.
FremantleMedia regional CEO Australia and Asia Ian Hogg said, “Sims is an outstanding executive and has been a key contributor to our Indonesian company for several years. He will absolutely flourish in this new expanded role. I am also delighted that O’Hanlon has agreed to creatively lead our important joint venture in China. His experience in the region is second to none and as the business continues to expand, having someone of his calibre to work alongside Yin is something I value enormously.”
“Keyte has been a successful part of our Australian company’s leadership team for five years. He brings a strong business focus with a deep understanding of production,” added Hogg.
The current COO of Asia Michelle Landy is stepping down from her role. “Landy has made an enormous contribution to our Asian companies. On a personal level I would like to thank her for her energy, drive and steadfast loyalty,” stated Hogg.
FremantleMedia’s offices in India, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand will be given expanded autonomy for further investment, resourcing and growth, moving away from the centralised Singapore model. All businesses will report directly to Ian Hogg.
“Our focus on customers and creative development in Asia with these key appointments allows us to showcase our world-renowned creativity to millions of Asian viewers with content that is made specifically for these markets. There is no doubt that pan regional local production is on the rise,” said Hogg.
“Sims and Keyte will help fuel our growth in Asia with world-class programming and commercial solutions. At the same time, we are giving our individual Asian offices greater independence and control to flex their creative muscle and steer further programming opportunities in their respective markets,” he added.
The appointments are effective immediately.
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.
