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Gallagher is BBC Worldwide’s channel head for EMEIA
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has appointed Susanne Gallagher as its new Head of Channels for Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). Susanne is now responsible for the distribution of BBC Worldwide’s entertainment channels, including BBC Prime and BBC Food, throughout the region
BBC Worldwide director of channels for EMEIA, Wayne Dunsford, said “Susanne will play a pivotal role in the development of our channel business across all territories. With several years’ experience of both programme sales and channel distribution in several key markets, Susanne brings a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the broadcast industry to the role.”
Gallagher said, ” There is enormous potential for new growth of our channel business and it is an exciting challenge to drive channel sales to a new level. Our team will build the business with the introduction of BBC Prime and BBC Food into new territories, expansion of our subscription levels with existing contracts and by establishing new network partnerships to extend coverage in territories where we already broadcast. Another key focus is also to extend our strategy of adding value to existing distribution with initiatives such as localisation.”
BBC Prime’s content consists of prime programmes from BBC One and BBC Two . The channel targets British travellers and International audiences, BBC Prime is usually available in hotels abroad.
Gallagher joined the BBC in 1993 working for BBC World Service. She has worked for BBC Worldwide since 1994, taking up sales roles in various markets including Iberia, Africa and the Middle East. Gallagher replaces Charlotte Repholtz who is returning to her native Denmark to manage the BBC Worldwide channels office in Copenhagen. From Denmark, Charlotte will focus on developing channel distribution across Scandinavia, Poland and Hungary.
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.
