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John Hegeman is Fox Filmed Entertainment’s new division COO
MUMBAI: Fox Filmed Entertainment’s new teen and young adult focussed creative content division president Peter Rice has announced that John Hegeman, former Lions Gate Entertainment president worldwide marketing will be that division’s COO.
In his new role, Hegeman alongside Rice, will manage all aspects of the company, including production, acquisitions, marketing and distribution.
Charged with producing and acquiring up to eight films, the new division is focused on a mix of genres, including comedy, action, thriller and drama, featuring unique, cutting-edge voices. Additionally, the division will create new media content for internet, mobile devices and other emerging technologies.
It will work closely with the newly formed Fox Interactive Media and their brands, My Space and IGN. The division will have its own production and marketing staffs, while distribution is handled by Twentieth Century Fox.
Rice says, “John is an exceptional, creative executive who has broken new ground and enjoyed wild success throughout his career; especially during the past two years at Lions Gate. We are thrilled to have him join us here at Fox as we embark on our exciting new venture.”
Hegeman says, “Young adults are such a sharp, intelligent audience. It is going to be a lot of fun joining Peter in trying to deliver unique and immersive entertainment to them.”
Hegeman is an industry veteran who recently spearheaded marketing campaigns for a string of Lions Gate box office successes, including one of the best films of last year Crash, and the horror hits Saw and Saw II. His marketing campaigns played a role in launching Lions Gate franchises built around the Saw films which marked the biggest opening gross in Lions Gate history.
Hegeman initially earned international acclaim for his pioneering use of the Internet and other innovative marketing techniques to help create the 1999 box office blockbuster The Blair Witch Project. In May 2005, Hegeman was named Entertainment Marketer of the Year by Ad Age magazine.
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.
