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FremantleMedia rolls out ‘New Platforms’; appoints Mackay as CEO
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has rolled out a new content division called New Platforms. FremantleMedia Enterprises CEO Catherine Mackay has been promoted to CEO of this new business.
In this role, Mackay will be responsible for establishing and growing FremantleMedia’s capabilities to create, produce and supply original entertainment for a broad range of new distribution platforms and new devices.
Specifically, the division will have the primary responsibility within FremantleMedia for creating and supplying new content to telecom companies, mobile operators, broadband Internet and other platforms.
New Platforms’ mandate will include creating content with the potential to be rolled out as global formats for the new platforms, as well as investing in opportunities to build direct-to-consumer entertainment businesses.
Mackay will continue as CEO of Enterprises, the division which comprises the company’s existing ancillary rights and international distribution businesses, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW) and Fremantle International Distribution (FID), respectively.
FLW CEO Simon Spalding and FID managing director David Ellender will continue to report to Mackay, who will work closely with them in establishing the new division, integrating, supporting and building on the initiatives already being developed within Enterprises and FremantleMedia.
Mackay will also continue to manage FremantleMedia’s Technology Investment Fund and to coordinate other technology activities around the company.
Mackay has been appointed to this position from her previous role as regional CEO, USA, Australia and Asia and CEO FremantleMedia Enterprises, where she was responsible for driving the performance and growth of FremantleMedia’s production operations in the US, Australia and Asia and for the company’s ancillary rights and distribution businesses incorporated under FremantleMedia Enterprises.
She will continue to be based in New York and report to Cohen.
Mackay moved to the US in 1997 to take on the role of executive president of operations for Pearson Television’s North American syndication business. Before that, she was general manager of Pearson Television’s Broadcasting Division in Asia.
Earlier in her career, she worked for Compagnie Generale des Eaux (now Vivendi) in their cable TV business, for Plaisance Films, a television production company based in Paris, and for Lazard Freres & Co., an American investment bank.
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.
