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FremantleMedia International promotes Haley Dickson to VP acquisitions
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI), an independent distributor of content with a current catalogue containing over 20,000 hours of programming, has promoted Hayley Dickson to the newly created position of vice president, television acquisitions and development, global content.
Working closely with the FMI distribution team, as well as FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) scripted development, Dickson will lead the North American division of FMI’s global content group and is charged with identifying and securing prestigious properties for both domestic and international marketplaces, with a focus on entertainment, factual, lifestyle, drama and comedy. She also heads up new business development, while maintaining relationships with FMI’s extensive network of best in class content creators and distributors.
“Hayley has a talent for recognising emerging trends and the opportunities they represent. She has an intuitive grasp of the ongoing evolution of content and distribution channels and this makes her the perfect candidate for this important role,” said FremantleMedia director of global entertainment development Rob Clark.
“I am excited about building the bridge between content creators and global audiences, and grateful to all my friends and colleagues at FremantleMedia for the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the most vibrant and fast-paced business in the world,” said Dickson.
Prior to taking on this new role, Dickson was with FremantleMedia serving as director, television acquisitions and development, with a focus on sourcing, evaluating and acquiring rights to TV and digital content. She recently identified and initiated a series of strategic relationships with digital content originators including Hulu, Vuguru and Young Hollywood, which bolstered FremantleMedia International’s catalogue with such titles as Behind The Mask, Fetching, Hollywood Help and Young Hollywood’s Greatest. Before joining FremantleMedia, Dickson served as the manager of acquisitions for Shine International.
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.
