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Livingstone joins SPTI as executive director
FRANCE: Philip Livingstone, who has been instrumental in the worldwide launch of the highly successful Who Wants To Be a Millionaire franchise, has been named Executive Director, Worldwide Formats at Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI).
The announcement was made today by SPTI Worldwide Formats Vice President Chris Pye.
In his new position, Livingstone will oversee launch, branding and production issues related to SPTI’s licensed formats around the world, focusing on European, African and Middle Eastern markets. Livingstone will report to Pye and will be based in London.
In making the announcement, Pye stated, “The addition of Philip to the team further underscores SPTI’s support of and expansion in the formats arena. With Philip’s success and experience in this area, we have an even stronger team of talent with which to escalate our format business, and I look
forward to working with him to augment the contributions of SPTI’s Paul Gilbert, Vice President of International Program Development Sales, based in Los Angeles.”
Most recently, Livingstone served as Head of International Production at London-based Celador, the creators of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, with responsibility for overseeing the show’s creative process in all 102 countries where the show is now airing their own customised versions.
Prior to Celador, Livingstone worked for ECM Productions as Head of International Production, helping to sell and oversee such shows as Lucky Numbers, Love at First Sight, Bzzz and Wipeout worldwide. During his tenure with ECM Livingstone’s responsibilities included helping TV stations and production companies make Who Wants To Be a Millionaire in Japan, India, Malaysia, Columbia, Venezuela, Chile and Hong Kong.
As a freelance producer, Livingstone worked for such companies as Grundy, Pearson and Central, producing the United Kingdom section of the American Music Awards two years running as well as many other entertainment programs. He has also worked for London Weekend Television, where he produced such series as Pyramid Game and Blind Date, and for the BBC.
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.
